Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Andrea Aker, CEO of Aker Ink.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.
WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026
WOMEN IN REAL ESTATE: The Most Influential Women in Commercial Real Estate for 2026
Andrea Aker, CEO, Aker Ink
Background: Aker is an expert communicator and business strategist with a reputation for tenacity, perseverance and honesty. She takes on complex situations and thrives on new challenges — traits that helped transform Aker Ink into one of Arizona’s leading PR and marketing firms. As CEO, Aker has helped companies nationwide break barriers, engage with new audiences and exceed lead generation goals. She oversees the agency’s approach to strategy, innovation and client service, ensuring every initiative is purposeful and tied to business objectives. Under her leadership, Aker Ink is recognized as one of Arizona’s top agencies.
Advice to younger self: “Trust your instincts and don’t wait for external validation to take action. Some of the best decisions you’ll make won’t come with perfect data or unanimous support, but from experience, pattern recognition and a clear sense of what feels right. Build systems sooner, too. Structure creates freedom, and the right processes allow you to scale your impact without burning out.”
Surprising fact: “Endurance sports are core to my daily life. I trail run, hike, bike, kayak or find some other way to expend energy outside every week, no matter how busy work gets. These activities aren’t just for physical health — they help me process emotions, manage stress and work through complex ideas. Some of my most pivotal business insights have come during long runs and rides.”
Learn more: akerink.com
