Jessie Forand
39 | Senior PR Manager Junapr
Residence: Chittenden
Career highlight: The career highlight I’m most proud of is making the transition from journalism to public relations; I learn something new every day and am empowered to use my love of storytelling to create positive change in the world.
Community involvement: My community involvement includes photography for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit that supports young women in many different ways, and as part of the grassroots supporters group for the Vermont Green Football Club, fighting for climate justice, human rights and much more.
Motivation for living and working in Vermont: I was born in Vermont and chose to stay because there’s nowhere else I could imagine living; I enjoy visiting other places and coming home to my family, my community and a place that shares my values.
Favorite part of your job: My favorite part of my job is telling client stories in unique ways, putting my journalistic skills to use and at the same time expanding my creativity.
Most inspiring mentor: My most inspiring mentors are my parents, who taught me the importance of working hard and giving my full effort; my sister for her infinite support; Nicole Junas and Iza Carr who have helped me grow more in my career in the past five years than I did in the 15 prior.
Best career advice: The best career advice I have received is to follow the path that’s right for you without worrying about others’ opinions — my path has been jagged, winding and non-traditional, but I am happy to have ended up where I am.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know:
Few people know that I’m an artist deep down; my first love was drawing and it remains a part of my life. Also I’m an excellent bunny trainer, just ask my two pet rabbits.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you? Few people know that despite being a fan of punk music for most of my life, my first concert was Billy Ray Cyrus, when I was in kindergarten.
What three words best describe you: Generous, loyal and creative.
Favorite Vermont escape: My favorite Vermont escape is my parents’ house in Bakersfield or kayaking on Metcalf Pond.
Favorite Vermont season: My favorite Vermont escape is fall — we’re spoiled with the colors and driving around exploring is my favorite thing.
Favorite downtime activity: My favorite downtime activity is photography when I want to work on technical skills and knitting when I want to relax and clear my head.
Favorite social media: My favorite social media is Instagram because I enjoy a visual medium and it allows me to daydream about future vacations.
Favorite smell: My favorite smell is when the leaves first begin to change and are extra sweet and crisp.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with: The person I’d most like to share a Vermont beverage with is my husband Tyson Foster.
If you had unlimited access to funds, which cause(s) would you support: The cause I would support is Planned Parenthood because I believe that everyone should have the right, ability and access to control their health and wellbeing.
What one song is on your playlist that are you embarrassed to tell your best friend: Mmmbop by Hanson — since 1997.
Where do you see yourself professionally in the next 5-10 years: In the next 5-10 years I’d like to continue to grow in my PR career and keep learning something new every day — I have no plans of getting bored.
What career goal(s) would you like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years: The career goals I’d like to accomplish in the next 5-10 years are helping keep Junapr a top PR agency in the country and generally doing good work.
What’s the ideal next move for you in your career: My ideal move is to NOT move — this is my third career and I am ready to stay in it.
Drawing on your experiences, what advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in community service: Find people that feel the same way you do; I’m not a “sports” person, but attending Vermont Green games has made me new friends and a strong sense of unity.