As much as anyone in this industry, Gay has had a hand in leading marketers out of the media models of the past and into the future of truly connecting with their customers.

She's done it all with a steadfast and infectious belief that nothing is impossible.

After all, this is a person who cashed in a $16,000 IRA in 1989 with the dream of starting an advertising agency. Twenty years after opening with a handful of regional accounts, Gay has built T3 into the nation's largest advertising agency wholly owned by a woman.

Gay is closely involved with T3 clients, providing high-level strategic consultation and ensuring that client-agency dynamics are in "constant forward motion".

Gay is also an active industry spokesperson and entrepreneurial advocate. She blogs for PINK magazine, is a columnist for iMedia Communications and has participated in the Global Summit of Women in Vietnam, The New York Times Small Business Summit, the Harvard Business School's Dynamic Women in Business conference and ad:tech Chicago.

Her dynamic business acumen and corporate culture has led to national recognition. She has been named one of Fast Company's "Top 25 Women Business Builders", Inc. magazine's "Top 10 Entrepreneurs of the Year", and 25 Advertising Working Mothers of the Year by Working Mother magazine. Gay and T3's family-friendly workplace programs have been recognized by the White House, "Good Morning America", BBC World Service radio, USA Today and most recently, "Nightline".

Gay is our leader. But when you sit down and spend some time with her, you'll discover she is also an inspiration.