We’re thrilled to spotlight our own Jennifer Malcolm, the visionary leader of Jennasis & Associates, as she shares her inspirational journey of personal and professional growth—a story 14 years in the making and still unfolding.

The ATHENA Leadership Award celebrates exemplary leadership and is reflective of a quote by Plato: “What is honored in a country will be cultivated there.” Over 8,000 recipients have been honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award since the program’s inception in 1982. The ATHENA Leadership Award’s rich history, international scope and focus on mentorship distinguish it as one of the most prestigious leadership awards one can receive.

This Cleveland-based marketing firm is a trusted partner to businesses nationwide and a sought-after employer offering a flexible, virtual workplace.

For the past five years, Jennifer Chernisky worked off and on as a virtual assistant while she raised her young children. Earlier this year, Chernisky decided to make it her full-time career. Now she works as a virtual business associate, providing help on various client projects.

After four months of sitting in the back of the room at Toastmasters meetings, Jennifer Chernisky decided to jump in and join. The president and chief executive officer at Jennasis and Associates and Jennasis Speaks decided she needed to conquer her fear of public speaking once and for all.

When clients ask about my company’s location, they’re usually surprised by my answer. Jennasis & Associates doesn’t have one. When I started the company in 2011, I wanted to create a virtual marketing firm that not only would be leading edge in our work, but also bridge the gap of the seemingly mythical work-life balance that many of us crave.

Have you ever been to an amazing experience or adventure and truly wondered what’s behind the magic curtain? When is the last time that you had an experience that exceeded your expectations?

For the past five years, Jennifer Chernisky worked off and on as a virtual assistant while she raised her young children. Earlier this year, Chernisky decided to make it her full-time career. Now she works as a virtual business associate, providing help on various client projects.

Jennifer Malcolm, CEO of Jennasis & Associates, has virtual happy hours and an online book club for her team. Every year, they also donate their time to a nonprofit organization. "We're working with a food bank this year," says Malcolm. In addition to these planned efforts, she believes it's essential to acknowledge the everyday struggles and celebrations by sending flowers or a card or simply touching base. "Those touchpoints allow people to feel involved and included."

February 2020, SME Cleveland has named Jennifer Malcolm, president and CEO of full-service digital marketing agency Jennasis & Associates, as a 2020 Distinguished Marketing and Sales Award (DMSA) recipient.