Carrianne Polo is founder and chief executive officer of New Park Creative, a digital marketing agency driving growth through strategic branding and data-driven marketing. With 15-plus years of experience, she leads with creativity, inclusion and community impact.
A devoted mom of two, award-winning speaker and advocate, Polo champions gender equity, supports small businesses, mentors future leaders, and serves on the boards of Hartford’s Camp Courant and the Connecticut Women’s Council.
What’s been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career?
Driven by my commitment to mentorship and supported by the Adweek executive team, I co-founded Adweek Rising to fill a mentorship gap for early-career marketers. In its pilot year, the program connected 300-plus young marketers globally with executive mentors, peer support and resources tailored to their unique growth and career-stage needs.
Click here to return to HBJ’s 2025 40 Under Forty Award Honorees
Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty?
• Founder and CEO of a dynamic marketing agency, cultivating a people-centric culture and spearheading innovation through progressive marketing methodologies.
• Introduced by Queen Latifah, I shared my story at the Women’s Achieve Summit in Virginia, which centered on the theme, “Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History.” I spoke passionately about pay equity.
• Received the West Hartford Chamber Women’s Leadership Award and mayoral proclamation, honoring distinguished service and visionary leadership.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I’m my kids Luca and Jolie’s biggest hype woman — cheering them on, making life a party and turning everyday moments into magic. I chase inspiration through art, culture and creative adventures. Whether paddleboarding, snowboarding or camping, I’m always seeking joy, thrill and nothing less than an exceptional experience.
How are you involved in the community?
I connect business leaders with key resources and growth opportunities. I support Camp Courant, lead brand and entrepreneurship workshops — including programs for women reentering the workforce — and invest in innovation and economic development initiatives like the UConn Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Girls for Technology, empowering future leaders and driving inclusive, community-centered growth.
Fun Fact: By 25, I was producing animation for global brands like PepsiCo, Phillips and Luxottica.