Years into a career that had already started late in life, Aastad was division manager for one of the most recognizable names in promotional products. Her rise was an achievement by any standard. “Coming from the era that I was in when I was a young college graduate, where women weren’t supposed to work and not working until my oldest son was ready to graduate, I was in my 40s already before I started a career,” Aastad says. “It just didn’t seem possible that I would be both a stay-at-home mom and a career woman for 29 years.” A Legacy In Promo Merging with larger companies opened opportunities for Aastad to be part of the industry’s various boards and committees, to which she committed countless hours, helping individuals and pushing the promo world forward. She was the PPAI Board chair from 2004-2005. “I never believed that I would have been honored like that to have been chosen chair,” Aastad says. “I not only enjoyed it, I thrived on it.” Geiger president and CEO Jo-an Lantz, one of many esteemed industry leaders who nominated Aastad with personal letters, remembers joining three other women to bring the idea of the PPAI’s Women’s Leadership Conference to Aastad in 2004. Aastad delivered on the idea the very next year, and it’s happened annually since. “Thousands of women have participated,” Lantz says. “I believe it has contributed, along with other factors, to so many women becoming chair of PPAI.” Along with a multitude of roles, titles, accomplishments and boards and committees that she has served on, Aastad won the 2009 PPAI Distinguished Service award, the 2009 Must Read | Hall of Fame “Coming from the era that I was in when I was a young college graduate, where women weren’t supposed to work and not working until my oldest son was ready to graduate, I was in my 40s already before I started a career.” PPAI: 111248 | ASI: 35375 | SAGE: 50327 | UPIC: ACCENTS | DC: 101273 Made & Printed in the USA Quick Turn Arounds Low Minimums www.americanaccents.com | 888.287.7883 Scan for pricing! WHITE PAPER CUPS 25 piece minimums! •No extra cost for 1 side, 2 side or wrap imprint •Poly coated interior •Ideal for hot & cold beverages •Multiple print methods available •6 sizes to choose from •Metallic and neon ink colors oered at no extra cost Matching lids & wraps available! 64 • JANUARY 2023 • PPAI
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