Deborah Corn, the “Intergalactic Ambassador,” on leading a movement that connects, uplifts, and transforms women’s careers worldwide.
Deborah Corn is the Intergalactic Ambassador to The Printerverse at Print Media Centr and Executive Director of Girls Who Print, a global nonprofit supporting women across their careers in print and graphic communications.
What inspired you to start Girls Who Print, and how has it grown from a LinkedIn group into the world’s largest network for women in print?
Girls Who Print was started by Mary Beth Smith in 2009 to create a place where women in print could connect, share, and be seen. I was the first woman to join and quickly got involved to grow the community and shape the mission. At the time, there were plenty of women in the industry, but not much visibility regarding their work or their experiences. They weren’t on industry stages or magazine covers. No one was telling their stories, celebrating their achievements, or calling them industry experts. Something had to be done!
In 2013 I hosted the first Girls Who Print event at Graph Expo in Chicago, and in 2017 I took over management of what was now the world’s largest global network for women in print and graphic communications.
Over the years, it’s evolved from conversation to community to a nonprofit organization that delivers mentorship, education, and opportunity for women across every stage of their careers.
Why was it important to transition into a nonprofit, and how does that open new opportunities for the community?
The nonprofit transition is about permanence and purpose. It allows Girls Who Print to build sustainable programs, pursue funding and donations, and collaborate with sponsors who share our vision. It strengthens our ability to deliver education, mentorship, and workforce-development initiatives to make sure women in print have lasting access to resources that help them grow and lead.
How does Girls Who Print empower women across different stages of their careers, and can you share a success story that captures its impact?
We meet women where they are. For newcomers, it’s about awareness — knowing there’s a place to belong and build confidence. For mid-career professionals, it’s about mentorship and visibility. For leaders, it’s about giving back. We consistently hear stories from women who’ve been matched with incredible mentors, landed new roles, started businesses, learned something that helped them take the next step, and build confidence. Confidence transforms “I can’t” into “Yes, you can.” That belief is at the heart of Girls Who Print’s mission.
Mentorship is a cornerstone of your work. Why is it so essential to the Girls Who Print mission?
Mentorship is how progress multiplies. When women share their knowledge, it creates a ripple effect — from connecting with someone in a role you aspire to, to learning something that propels your next step, and everything in between. Kelly Mallozzi, VP & Program Director for Girls Who Print, leads our mentoring program and all its success can be attributed to her time and effort making it successful.
These mentor/mentee relationships are professional and personal. Kelly ensures the best matches are made, and when we are lacking in mentors, she often steps up to take on that role.
How will the membership platform and upcoming initiatives shape the future of Girls Who Print?
Our membership platform is the next step in evolving from community to catalyst. It brings together education, networking, and visibility in one place. The next phase is about turning engagement into action.
Continuing education and training opportunities exist, but men typically dominate attendance. Women can get stuck in middle management because of that gap — and Girls Who Print is stepping in to change it. We’re bringing knowledge and tools to our members and giving them access to experts who can help them get to the next step, the next raise, the next job title.
Everything we build now is designed to strengthen the bridge between community and career, ensuring that every woman in print has a path to grow, lead, and make her mark.
How do partnerships and sponsors like DALIM help make your mission possible, and what do you look for in corporate supporters?
DALIM helps us move from ideas to action. Their expertise in digital and print production, digital asset management, software systems, workflow automation, and productivity optimization aligns perfectly with our mission. Our partnership fuels programming and content that directly benefits our members on subjects that have never been more important to the industry.
We look to associate with companies that understand our mission, believe in it, and understand that empowering women in print isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good business. Our partners are also aligned with our members and their needs, creating a vibrant global network of professionals who are shaping the future of print and learning how to create the career they want.
What’s your vision for the next chapter of Girls Who Print, and what message would you share with young women considering a career in print?
The next chapter is about expansion: more regional organizations and members, more education, and greater visibility for women in every print sector around the world. And while our story continues to unfold, Girls Who Print will remain a place where women connect, collaborate, and advance their careers.
To young women, my message is simple: print is powerful, creative, and always evolving. Whether you design, produce, market, or manage, there’s a place for your talent here. Bring your ideas, build your connections, and know that when you show up ready to make your mark, this industry will open its doors to you.
About Girls Who Print
Girls Who Print is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing women in the print and graphic communications industry. Through mentorship, professional development, and community engagement, the organization supports women across every stage of their careers. With members in more than 40 countries, Girls Who Print builds pathways to leadership, promotes visibility, and connects companies with a vibrant, skilled talent network.
Get Involved and Get Empowered at girlswhoprint.org.