An urgent call for more ‘Donna Drapers’

“Wax-on, wax-off.”

Like an astute Mister Miyagi passing down his fundamental lessons to a young Daniel-san, Don Draper provided his one-time protégé Peggy Olson a perfect storm of industry savvy and Bette Milder wind upon which she spread her wings and flew away.

Unfortunately, Don’s example has yet to wax-on to his chauvinistic peers. Sadly, his exuberant pupil will not be flying higher than an eagle. While audiences tuning in to the season six premiere of “Mad Men” will learn more of Peggy’s small-screen fate, the incarnation of her character’s real-life and present-day counterparts have struggled to find their footing, although not for lack of trying and/or need. Making a case for more “Donna Drapers,” The Denver Egotist reports that although an overwhelming 80 percent of all household purchases are determined by women, a mere 3 percent of the nation’s advertising creative directors are female. Even worse, 90 percent of lady consumers don’t feel understood by brands.