We’ve got a lot to be thankful for at Jmac this year. We welcomed some new team members, figured out new ways to drive great results for our clients, and stayed committed to authenticity and gratitude.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are the authentic moments and sources of inspiration our team is grateful for this year.
Audree Hernandez, Senior Account Executive
What is a way, or when was a moment you fully stood in your authenticity this year?
One moment I really shined was attending my best friend’s wedding. I fully showed up as a supportive maid of honor, we enjoyed the night together, I poured my heart out in a speech (which we cried together about), and I enforced some boundaries I had with some mutuals. It was a proud moment that I think my older version of me would’ve had a different experience with that day.
What is a source of inspiration you’re grateful for this year?
Music. The creativity that pours out from my favorite artist’s inspire me in my own ways.
Casey Burke, Content Writer
What is a way, or when was a moment you fully stood in your authenticity this year?
This year I fully stood in my authenticity through my writing. I’ve made a lot of good progress developing my voice in both copywriting and creative nonfiction (especially my writing about music).
What is a source of inspiration you’re grateful for this year?
This year I’ve been inspired by my friends and coworkers.
Jackson Elrod, PR Intern
What is a way, or when was a moment you fully stood in your authenticity this year?
I think me graduating college this year was a moment I was able to stand there for a second and appreciate the 16 straight years of school I had finished.
It was nice to be able to recognize my hard work and achievements throughout the year were met. I felt fulfilled because, for the better part of my life, school was the main thing on my mind, and then it just all came to an end (in a good way). Being surrounded by people who care about me and family letting me know they were proud of me meant a lot.
What is a source of inspiration you’re grateful for this year?
I think a source of inspiration I am grateful for was landing an internship right after graduation that truly seems like a great environment. Realizing I had to look for a job after college hit my senior year while I was working at Chico State.
I understood the job market was hard but this internship was recommended to me and I got incredibly lucky to be able to land it and seemingly make as much of a impact as I can, with genuine people who care about my professional development and help me achieve my goals.
Joana Estipona, Executive Assistant
What is a way, or when was a moment you fully stood in your authenticity this year?
I fully stood in my authenticity when I stepped up as the lead support for the Camping Tools social media account. Taking on this role allowed me to combine my creativity and strategic thinking to help grow our client’s presence online.
What is a source of inspiration you’re grateful for this year?
A source of inspiration for me this year has been the resilience and creativity of the team I work with. They’ve always been incredibly supportive, opening windows of opportunity for me to explore my potential. They never tie me to a single idea, project, or skill just because of my role—instead, they encourage me to pursue what I’m passionate about and see what’s possible for my growth.
John McCartney, Agency Principal
What is a way, or when was a moment you fully stood in your authenticity this year?
I’ve always considered myself to be authentic—it’s simply how I’m wired and how I’ve approached life throughout my journey. For me, being authentic isn’t a moment or an act; it’s a constant practice of staying true to who I am, regardless of the situation.
I believe authenticity is essential—not just for personal integrity but also for building meaningful relationships. Being true to yourself is a foundation for growth, confidence, and connection, and it’s something I strive to embody every day.
What is a source of inspiration you’re grateful for this year?
This year, a major source of inspiration for me has been learning to truly lean into gratitude and appreciation. That shift began thanks to the advice of our very own T, who suggested I start journaling. I took that advice to heart and began using the 5 Minute Journal, which has had a profound impact on me.
Through this practice, I’ve become much more mindful of the things I’m grateful for and have developed a deeper appreciation for both the big and small moments in life—something I hadn’t fully focused on before. It’s been inspiring to see how this simple habit has changed my mindset and helped me approach each day with more positivity and awareness. For that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Monica Iriarte, Human Resources
What is a way, or when was a moment you fully stood in your authenticity this year?
I come from a family of highly-opinionated, persistent people. This past weekend they were applying loving but incredible pressure for me to do something wonderful for the family but unhealthy for me. I knew what I needed for myself so I held my ground, asked my parents for their support (got it immediately), and eventually others recognized my determination and called off the others. I wasn’t angry or fighting, but I was honoring every part of myself and what I needed quietly but strongly. It was great.
What is a source of inspiration you’re grateful for this year?
I love watching my nieces coming into their own strength and power. And while they’ll not easily admit it, I’ve watched them open to learning and changing how they view life. It’s never too early, it’s never too late.