Mary Jamis, president, M Creative
Business address: 541-A N. Trade St., Winston-Salem 27101
Year you joined organization: 2003
Education: Bachelor's, psychology, Hiram College; master's, psychology, Roosevelt University; Ph.D., cognitive psychology, Kent State University
Why selected: Jamis is president and owner of M Creative, a strategic communications firm working exclusively with nonprofit organizations. She co-founded The Women’s Fund of Winston-Salem, a group of more than 800 women philanthropists that has provided more than $1.7 million in grants to local programs or projects that address issues affecting Forsyth County women and girls. Jamis has also worked on issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, such as HB2 and marriage equality, and created Whistling Women, a gathering space for women.
Responsible for: M Creative is a values driven strategic communications firm. I lead a team of six people who are wickedly smart, highly creative, and committed to the work we do. M Creative works exclusively with nonprofit organizations primarily in the Triad region and across NC. I've been at M Creative since 2003 and took ownership of the firm in January 2014. Several years ago M Creative became the first B-Corp certified company in the Triad — where people, planet and profit are valued equally.
How did you get started? In 1986, I was hired at Long, Haymes and Carr as the agency’s first consumer behaviorist, introducing the concept of account planning into the work of the advertising agency. My degrees in psychology made me a strong candidate for this new position. Account planning centers the voice of the consumer in the advertising process and elevates the value of qualitative and quantitative research, consumer insight and the creative brief in the creative process. The planning function remained an integral part of the work of the agency until just recently when LHC (now Mullen) became primarily a media planning and buying arm of the organization.
Advice you'd give to your 21-year-old self? Five years ago, I was invited to participate in a local TedX for Women event. My talk centered around the importance of gender solidarity and women carving out space for themselves — not simply A Room of One's Own, but space to be with other women. Unapologetically female space. So I answered that question in my talk in this way — carve out space for yourself, but also carve out space to be with other women; own your power and use that power and influence to lift other women.
A few words that best describe who you are? Generous, fierce, tenacious
What are you passionate about? Without a doubt, work that centers around helping women and girls. I'm especially interested in innovative programs that lift women and children out of poverty, increase the economic security of women and girls, and ways women lead that differ from conventional models of leadership.
Achievements you are most proud of? There are four: Creating Whistling Women — a gathering space for women. It was the first tangible expression of my passion for the work of women and girls. Twenty years later, I'm still connected to so many of the women I met through Whistling Women (the name comes from the saying that Whistling Women and Crowing Hens always come to no good end). Helping to get The Women's Fund of Winston-Salem off the ground with a one-of-a-kind model of giving that promotes inclusivity in philanthropy. Work in the LGBTQ+ community — being arrested for failing to leave the Register of Deeds office after being denied a marriage license with my partner. Being a partner to Starr. Together for 21 years; legally married since 2013.
Next big professional goal? Creating a smart exit strategy from the work I've known for 35 years, and doing it in a way that challenges the status quo of succession. Doing all that I can to ensure the success of those who are next in line to lead.
What do you like to do when you are not working? In 2021 I took my first drumming lessons. I've been pleasantly surprised at how much I'm enjoying playing the drums and what a great release it is from work.
Something about you that would surprise people? I love my Kubota Tractor. Mowing is meditation for me.
If you were stranded on a deserted island what are your three must have items? A strong mind, a sound back and Starr.
