Print HERStory Month 2026: Sandy Hubbard

Sandy Hubbard
Growth Strategist & Marketing Advisor
Help Print Thrive
https://sandyhubbard.start.page/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyhubbardpublisher

1) What does “making your move” mean to you at this stage of your career?

Managing a career can be complex early in your career. You have to weave together your skills, curiosity, ambition, and life/work experience. It gets easier as you go along. At this stage in my career, I understand myself pretty well. When the right opportunities arise, I feel confident moving forward. “Making my move” is about seeing cool things to try, learn, and master. When we become more interesting humans, we help our careers.

2) Can you share a moment when you took action that moved your career forward?

A long time ago, I told my boss I’d like to someday run the magazine where I worked. My boss said, “I’m not retiring yet. For now, you should learn sales, operations, management, and finance.” I was already good at the first three, but my only financial experience was bookkeeping for a previous job. My boss taught me how to understand and interpret all kinds of financial reports to help me make strategic, profitable decisions. My financial knowledge gave my board of directors the confidence to offer me the promotion. No matter what your role is in your company, it helps to understand how businesses make and spend money.

3) What helped you recognize the right time to make that move?

When I told my boss I would like his job someday. I expected pushback. Instead, I received very positive feedback and encouragement from the owner, president, and board of directors. How did I know it was the right time? I had been approached by other companies for top-level roles. After a few interviews, I had a sense of my “value” in the marketplace, which helped me ask for and receive my promotion.

4) What advice would you give women in print who are considering their next move?

For women in print who are considering their next move, draw up a flowchart of scenarios. Include options that may seem out of your range. Get creative with where you could work and what you might do. Map the beginning, middle and endpoints of each scenario. Be honest with yourself about the areas where you need to build skills. You may find that there’s an opportunity within reach that aligns with your career goals. It may not be the exact storybook career progression, which is why you need to surround yourself with supportive people – like those you find in Girls Who Print! Work your plan, and don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself. Aim high!

What has your experience with Girls Who Print meant to you so far?

Being involved in Girls Who Print has empowered me to visualize my career more strategically and advocate for myself. I love attending the GWP events and meeting the leaders and rising stars in our industry. I’m so proud to be a member and excited about the future for women in all aspects of the graphic communications industry.