Today we’d like to introduce you to Jas.
Hi Jas, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Charlotte, NC, but grew up in Sanford, NC. I moved to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University, and it has been home ever since. I’m a daughter, dog mom, God-mom, friend, and “aunt” to several little humans. My faith is the foundation of who I am and everything I do.
I grew up as an only child to an incredible single mother who taught me independence and gave me the freedom to become exactly who I was meant to be. She never made me feel like I had to fit into a specific mold or become a certain version of myself. Even when she didn’t always understand my interests or have experience in the things I pursued, she never stifled my curiosity or creativity. She encouraged me to explore, supported me wholeheartedly, and trusted me to find my own path. She’s truly a unicorn—an engineer by trade, but a natural creative who effortlessly taps into both sides of her brain. Watching her seamlessly blend analytical thinking with creativity has been one of the many examples that shaped how I view possibility and what it means to embrace every part of who you are.
Growing up, I was a competitive dancer, cheerleader and social butterfly. I loved to sing, dance, read and write my own little short stories. Looking back, it’s clear that storytelling has always been part of who I am. From writing short stories as a child to helping people and brands communicate their vision today, my career has been a natural extension of the things I’ve always loved.
Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by women who are successful, intelligent, kind, and powerful, both personally and professionally. Their mentorship, encouragement, and belief in me have shaped not only who I am, but also the kind of leader I strive to be. Being poured into while also having the opportunity to pour into others has reinforced my belief that growth happens through community.
Professionally, those experiences naturally led me to a career centered around communication, storytelling, and helping others find their voice. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great leaders and organizations, but the common thread has always been the same: helping people communicate who they are, what they stand for, and why it matters. That passion is ultimately what continues to drive the work I do today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, of course not! As anyone can expect, there are always going to be challenges and bumps in the road. Growing up in a single-parent household meant that, due to circumstances outside of my control, my father wasn’t present. And while my mother and grandparents stepped into that gap and ensured I still had an amazing childhood surrounded by love, there’s still inner work and healing you have to commit to so those childhood circumstances don’t continue to negatively impact your future. I like to say that when you’re faced with circumstances outside of your control, you can either build a life because of them or in spite of them. I’ve chosen the latter.
Throughout my career, I’ve had to navigate everything from office politics to misogyny and racism. As someone who has always led with authenticity and candor, I’ve learned how to refine—not change—certain aspects of myself for my own sanity and safety. Especially in business, there’s a delicate balance between staying true to yourself and exercising discernment. It’s a balance I’ve become increasingly intentional about throughout my career, and one that continues to shape how I lead, communicate, and build.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I graduated with a degree in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and have worked in the industry ever since. My first job out of college was at a private dermatology office where I gained a personal passion for skincare and aesthetics, but my career over the past 15 years has been spent in the technology space. I started at a B2B technology and telecom PR agency and then went in-house to a software company that was later acquired by IBM. I am currently a Global Corporate Communications Director, where I lead a team focused on internal and external communications, influencer marketing and organic social media.
Outside of my “day job,” I’m passionate about helping small businesses, emerging brands, entrepreneurs, and executives define their unique position in the market and build the visibility they need to grow. Too often, PR and brand strategy are viewed as expenses to invest in “down the line,” when in reality they should be part of a business from day one. Building a strong brand and strategic communications plan from the very beginning creates credibility, accelerates growth, and positions your business for long-term success.
We’ve seen it time and time again in today’s media landscape: one viral video, product endorsement, or misquoted interview can make or break a brand. Helping individuals and businesses navigate that landscape with strategic PR and brand guidance – while generating the visibility that drives impact and revenue – is what I enjoy most.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Having lived here for almost 20 years, I love seeing how much Raleigh has grown and evolved while still maintaining that sense of community and smaller-town feel that makes it home. It’s been exciting to watch the city expand with new businesses, restaurants, and opportunities while still holding onto the charm and familiarity that drew me here in the first place.
I love exploring Raleigh’s food scene, trying new restaurants with friends while also circling back to old favorites that have become staples over the years. I like to say that going out to eat is one of my favorite “hobbies” because food and shared experiences are such a meaningful way to connect with people.
The one thing I don’t love as much is how quickly the cost of living, especially housing, has increased as Raleigh has grown. I understand that growth brings change, and it’s exciting to see so many people want to call this city home. At the same time, I hope we continue finding ways to maintain the accessibility and community that have always made Raleigh special. Oh, and can we get a Zara?!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmcdonald/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jas-mcdonald-a579ba1a
