Who is Jill?

I am very proud of my "reputation" – I'm known for being genuine, loyal, & having zest for life. I'm a natural born connector (some call it my superpower). I have been told people leave conversations with me feeling better than when they arrived, which makes my heart happy.

After nearly dying in 2020 (if you ask, I'll tell you the story), I finally decided that it was time to design the life I wanted. And that's why I began POP_!_more.

This endeavor is not my first entrepreneurial experience. I previously owned Inspired Marketing, a successful and award-winning full-service marketing and event planning company. My team and I served a vast array of clients in lots of industries including home improvement, financial planning, higher education, IT, fuel services, firearm manufacturing, and more.

Today, in addition to POP_!_more, as a way to continue with my passion for marketing and events, I'm working with the incredible Chikmedia team as their part-time Associate Director of Marketing. Additional career highlights include American Cancer Society, MGM Springfield, and as a radio personality on 94.7 WMAS, Rock 102, Lazer 99.3, and others.

Giving back is vital to arousing my soul and over the years my community engagement has included working with non-profits supporting early education, domestic violence, food insecurity, and health and wellness. I was also an original board member and co-Vice President of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (Springfield YPS).

My educational journey began when I skipped my senior year of high school and attended Holyoke Community College earning an Associate of Science in Communication. I then went on to Westfield State University, and although not a direct path, years later completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies followed by an MBA in Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovative Practices at Bay Path University. I also have earned a Major Gift Fundraiser Certificate from Veritus Group Academy and, as a perpetual lover of learning, I've completed many LinkedIn Learning Certificates such as Overcoming Cognitive Bias, Working with Personal Strengths & Weaknesses, Enhancing Productivity, and Powerful Prioritization.

Over the years I've been honored to earn numerous awards and recognitions. A few I hold most dear include an Ad Club of Western MA Creative Award, BusinessWest 40 under 40 Award, Better Business Bureau (BBB) Marketplace Ethics Award, and Western MA Women's Magazine "Top 25 Women to Watch in Event Planning" and subsequently their "Visionary Achievement" Award.

My favorite part of my story though is my family. I live with my incredible (and super patient) wife Jen in a historic home built in 1895. We have three rescue fur-babies, Max (dog), Vinnie (dog), and EJ (cat). In our free time together we like to spend time dancing in the kitchen, going to the movies, or hanging out with our two awesome nephews. And when Jen's at work, and I'm not busy speaking or coaching, you'll find me in my happy place – my enormous front porch – with a coffee in one hand and a book in the other.

W: www.popmorenow.com