New Juror Spotlight: Jessica Bryndza

Jessica Bryndza

National Board Planned Parenthood / Founder JABZAP Consulting

Jessica is driven by the power of building brands, teams and cultures. A leader with over two decades of B2B and B2C experience, Jessica has helped redefine the way both startup and Fortune 500 companies like American Express, Uber, Eventbrite, Google, and Softbank develop brand marketing strategies and global campaigns. She has consistently worked to connect with those companies’ diverse customers (and employees) through campaigns, live & digital experiences and cultural moments. Jessica has partnered and negotiated with many CEOs, business leaders and creative beings and operates with the mindset of a leader; a relentless pursuit of excellence, and realistic optimism…all while keeping a sense of humor.

Over the course of her career, Jessica has served many organizations in different capacities such as a National Board Director for Planned Parenthood, Board Member of the California Film Institute and an event committee member of BUILD. She was appointed to the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Business Advisory Council and in 2012 was named one of Advertising Women of NY’s Working Mom of the Year.

A lifelong advocate for justice, before starting her career Jessica graduated from Rutgers University where she received a BS in Criminal Justice and a minor in Women’s Studies. She also hold an MBA from Fordham University Graduate School of Business and is a certified meditation teacher through the MMTCP founded by Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach.

What do you think are the best examples of companies taking a stance out there in the world?

Don’t Ban Equality is a campaign designed to encourage and communicate how real change comes from corporations committing to reproductive health and access. This could include company policy change (to cover abortion as part of health insurance and travel policies), as well as ways that companies engage publicly (statements and political giving). Over 300 companies have participated to date since its inception in 2019.

Yelp has been a great advocate of sexual and reproductive health. They’ve made sure their site provides accurate information on how to get care, including removing false reviews written by the opposition.

Match Group has been a great partner too. They really support their employees and customers in this space — going so far as encouraging their customers to turn off the app to engage in protest actions (like the Bans Off Our Bodies walkout).

What does a typical work day look like for you?

There is no typical workday but it always includes meditation, matcha, hopefully sweating at some point and talking to lots of people.

What TV series are you in love with?

This year:
Hacks
The Bear
Severance

The ones that have haunted me for years:
I May Destroy You
6 Feet Under

What are your top three FAVORITE mobile apps this year?

Planned Parenthood Direct
The Real Real
Insight Timer

Are there any podcasts you recommend?

There are so many. My regular go-tos are:
On Being with Krista Tippett
Jemele Hill is Unbothered
Sill Processing
The Daily (of course)

What was your first job?

As a kid, I worked at the pizza counter at Enzo’s Pizzeria in New Jersey.
Professionally, I was a makeup artist for Prescriptives.

What’s your favorite word? Your least favorite?

Favorite: Love
Least favorite: No

What are three words to describe you?

– Determined
– Enthusiastic
– Caring

What are you optimistic about for the future?

Nothing in particular…I have chosen optimism as my default. If I had to say one thing, it’s that the generation below me is AWAKE.