Sheryl Daija

Born in Johannesburg South Africa during the apartheid years, Sheryl Daija saw what inequity looked like at a very early age, which spurred her commitment to social justice. She emigrated on her own to the US with 2 suitcases and $1200 thinking she would find a new sense of freedom and equality only to realize injustices were everywhere.

As a business, marketing and creative leader committed to tearing down the current structures that lead to inequities in the workplace and marketplace, Sheryl recently launched BRIDGE, the first-ever independent DEI trade group for the global media, marketing & advertising industry. With an impressive board that brings together CDOs, CMOs & business leaders, BRIDGE’s mission is to move the narrative from DEI as a philosophy to operationalizing inclusion as a business practice for growth. Specifically, BRIDGE helps companies identify their own unique gaps in belonging, representation, inclusion, diversity and equity and helps them build the capabilities to bridge those gaps to drive systemic change. Sheryl is purpose-driven, biased to action and fiercely focused on doing her part to make the world a better place now and for future generations.

Sheryl has held multiple executive industry positions that galvanize communities to build platforms and drive transformation. Prior to founding BRIDGE, she was the Chief Strategy Officer at the MMA where she created impactful programs to solidify mobile as integral to marketing and before that she was SVP/GM at the IAB which placed her at the forefront of innovation and development across the Interactive media industry.

Sheryl started her career in brand marketing and product management in the CPG and technology industries and held executive positions at Epilady, Fred Hayman, Kensington, CMGI and more. Sheryl is on the boards of Carry117 and Bright Future Athletes Foundation both dedicated to lifting up at-risk women and children. She is a passionate “soccer mom” and lives in San Diego’s North County with her teenage son and dog.