Ilyssa is an award-winning creative director with a discipline in copy direction and over 15 years of experience. Beginning her career in account management, she transitioned to the creative side after discovering the power of storytelling to drive meaningful change. Since joining Patients & Purpose in 2010 as a copywriter, Ilyssa has risen to Senior Vice President and Creative Director, establishing herself as a leader in a highly specialized and impactful industry.
Her work has earned recognition across the industry, with campaigns featured in national media and celebrated for their ability to connect on a deeply human level. From addressing menstrual inequity to creating innovative solutions for underserved communities, Ilyssa’s projects demonstrate the transformative power of creativity in healthcare marketing. Ilyssa has also been instrumental in launching and shaping campaigns for groundbreaking treatments for companies such as Pfizer, Bausch & Lomb, AstraZeneca, Zogenix, and Otsuka.
Known for her ability to lead with empathy and purpose, Ilyssa has built a reputation for championing bold ideas while fostering collaboration across teams. Her leadership style is rooted in her belief that creativity thrives when people feel empowered, valued, and inspired.
As a juror, Ilyssa brings a wealth of experience, a passion for creative excellence, and a thoughtful perspective shaped by years of driving impactful work in a challenging, dynamic field.