Women in the AV industry have long been trailblazers, breaking barriers, driving innovation and shaping the future of technology and integration. Their vision, leadership and expertise have left an enduring mark, inspiring progress across the field. This International Women’s History Month, Commercial Integrator is proud to honor their achievements with a special series. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a light on some of the most remarkable women in AV, celebrating their contributions and sharing their stories to inspire and empower others in our industry.
Here, we spotlight Erica Carroll, CEO of Charbett Strategies, founder of ProAVcourses.com and a board member of Rosie Riveters. She discusses her accidental entry into the AV industry and the personal obstacles she overcame, including imposter syndrome. She credits influential mentors for providing opportunities and amplifying her voice. Carroll is most proud of her work with Rosie Riveters, which introduces AV concepts to children and strengthens the industry’s future workforce pipeline. She underscores the importance of community and advocates for diversity and accessible education within the AV industry. Read #HerAVStory below.
Interview with Erica Carroll, CEO of Charbett Strategies
Commercial Integrator: How did you get into the AV industry?
Erica Carroll: My career in AV began somewhat accidentally with a projector manufacturer, sparked by curiosity, opportunity and a passion for technology. I was given an opportunity to work with customers and I’d always loved teaching and witnessing those ‘aha’ moments when something clicks for someone. I quickly realized that AV sits at the intersection of innovation and communication — bringing ideas to life in powerful ways. That’s what drew me in, and it’s what has kept me passionate about this industry ever since.
CI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your AV industry career?
Carroll: Everyone has — it’s how you overcome them that makes the difference. I actually want to point out that my biggest obstacle has been myself and imposter syndrome. I didn’t believe in me — I didn’t think I was smart enough, advanced enough, or taken seriously enough to get my voice and my opinions heard. But these challenges have also fueled my passion for mentorship and advocacy, pushing me to create opportunities for others and help diversify the industry.
CI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Carroll: I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who believed in me before I even fully believed in myself, like Mike Levi who took a chance on me, making a position for me, and championing my growth at Digital Projection. Some were industry veterans who provided guidance and opened doors early in my career, while others were peers, like Gina Sansivero, who offered support and encouragement. I’ve always looked up to her as an example of how to be a respected, ambitious woman in AV. The greatest impact my mentors had was giving me a seat at the table, amplifying my voice and reinforcing that I belonged in AV. That’s a gift I strive to pass forward.
CI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Carroll: The work I do with Rosie Riveters is hands-down my proudest accomplishment. I didn’t realize the impact I could create until it happened. We set out to raise $5,000 in the first year to bring AV-related STEM kits to an elementary school in Atlanta, and we blew it out of the water, raising almost $35,000 with generous support from the industry, mobilizing local groups in multiple cities across the country and since then we have reached over 3,000 children to date, helping them learn about our industry and the brands that could hire them when they’re old enough. Getting into AV doesn’t have to be an accident. I can’t help but think the work we’re pursuing in this mission is actively driving our workforce pipeline, getting in front of our future AV pros.
CI: What do you love most about working in the AV industry?
Carroll: The people. AV is full of creative, passionate people who genuinely love what they do. It’s like the saying “Friends are the family you choose” and everytime there’s an industry event it’s like a family reunion. We are all working towards something bigger, together. Plus, seeing the impact of AV — whether in education, entertainment or corporate spaces — is incredibly rewarding.
CI: How can the AV industry become even better?
Carroll: We need to continue pushing for diversity and education. That means broadening the pipeline to introduce AV as an intentional career path, making training and professional development more accessible, and ensuring leadership opportunities are open to everyone. A stronger, more diverse AV industry benefits us all —and I’m excited to be part of that movement.
Would you like to nominate a peer or colleague — or perhaps yourself! — to be featured in this #HerAVStory series? If so, just email Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Emerald, at [email protected].
