In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re sharing stories of some of the women in our midst who are making a difference in others’ lives at MarketSource and beyond.
Our third Woman of the Week is Alyssa Simpson, Program Control Manager for one of our longest tenured clients. The former biochemist was headed for a career in epidemiology when an opportunity with MarketSource stopped her in her tracks. Here’s her story.
Alyssa Took the Road Less Travelled
Q: Tell me about your career path.
A: I actually started on a radically different path. I earned my bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and was working toward my master’s in epidemiology. When I moved to Atlanta, a close friend referred me to MarketSource, where I got a job with the support team for, at the time, a very new retail client program. After six months, I was promoted to the reporting team, which I eventually went on to manage. For eight years of my tenure here, I worked in data analysis and reporting. In 2022, I was promoted to program control manager. I now lead a team that provides data analysis, loss prevention support, financial and operational management, and contractual compliance for our client.
Q: Have you experienced any defining moments in your career?
A: While pursuing my master’s degree in epidemiology, I realized I didn’t have an overwhelming passion for it. At first, I felt guilty because I invested so much—money, time, education, internships—and I felt like I was abandoning all that work for a new, but uncertain path.
Changing careers requires a leap of faith and lots of support from family and friends. Once I explained to my inner circle how conflicted I was about leaving, I found the courage I needed to act upon my instincts. This would prove to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I enjoy the work I do now and found a passion when I wasn’t looking for it. It has been more challenging and engages both the analytical and creative sides of my brain.
Another defining moment was my most recent promotion. I felt like I was taking a step further in my career, leveling up, and leaning into my new career path more heavily. It’s a great fit for me, and I’ve taken real ownership of and become more confident in this role.
Q: Have you had any mentors?
A: One of my early managers was very encouraging, challenged me to think differently, and gave me challenges that leaned on my strengths and experience. At the time, I was feeling undervalued and not heard. She advocated for me and saw my value, nurtured my interests, and gave me space to grow. She changed my perspective and accelerated my decision to leave healthcare behind.
Q: How does being a woman shape how you approach your professional role?
A: There are social and cultural stereotypes that impact me subconsciously. There’s an expectation that women generally should be more nurturing than our male peers. If you don’t display those traits, then you’re seen as unapproachable or too stiff. If you’re too compassionate, then perhaps people won’t take you seriously or recognize your authority. I try to find balance within these, while staying true to who I am.
There are more men than women in my field, and at the program leadership level, female representation starts to get thin. It’s better today than it was even five years ago, but we have more progress to make. As a double minority, I have a sense of responsibility to both fit and model the roles I’m in. I have found it to be empowering and supportive to engage with other women in leadership who understand these challenges in a similar way.
Q: What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I am a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan! I also completed a nuclear chemistry internship, and the study was published in Physical Review C by The American Physical Society.
Q: What advice would you give women in MarketSource who wish to pursue a leadership role?
A: Trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid of change or of having the courage to change. I held on too long to expectations rather than face where my true strengths lie. Be more intentional about expanding your traits and skills sooner. I wish I had dedicated more time to that earlier in my career.
“Trust your instincts. Don’t be afraid of change or of having the courage to change. I held on too long to expectations rather than face where my true strengths lie. Be more intentional about expanding your traits and skills sooner. I wish I had dedicated more time to that earlier in my career.”
Q: What’s your hope for the future of women in leadership?
A: Equity. Companies have come a long way from being compulsory about it to intentionally practicing it. There are still areas that could be improved, like more representation. Seeing someone like you serving in a role you aspire to can be very powerful.
Q: How can companies practice inclusion year-round?
A: I understand it’s difficult to do, but I think inclusion must be felt genuinely and ingrained throughout the community. It has to involve conversation, collaboration, relationship-building, understanding others’ perspectives, and actively listening to others’ voices.
Alyssa has been with MarketSource for just over 10 years. She lives in Florida with her husband and two stepsons. In her free time, she enjoys reading, music and concerts, and traveling to new places.