Before we believed in ourselves, someone believed in us first.
She gave us trust in our capabilities.
She gave us space to speak.
She gave us responsibility—with a safety net.
She gave us love that made resilience possible.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain, is rooted in a simple truth: when we give generously—our time, our mentorship, our support, our belief—opportunity multiplies.
At JK, we see the power of that truth every day.
We asked the women of our team to share the stories of someone who empowered them. What they shared is a powerful reminder that belief is one of the most meaningful things we can give—and one of the most transformational things we can receive.
When women thrive, we all rise. And thriving often starts with someone choosing to give.
For Nicolette, belief looks like fearless faith in others.
Nicolette Omelczuk’s mentor, Karen Geisel
Who she is: My mentor Karen (Owner of Geisel Agency) has been one of the most influential women in my career. She’s built an incredible path across agencies, industries, and leadership roles, but what’s always stood out is how deeply she champions the people around her. Whether we’re talking PR strategy, the latest sports headline, or the fearless energy that’s taken her from the NYC Marathon to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro, she leads with bravery, humor, and a mentorship style that makes you want to show up stronger every day.
How she changed my life and career: She’s helped me find my voice and actually use it. At different points in my career, especially when things felt fast or unclear, she pushed me to speak up, take ownership, and trust my instincts. Because of her, I think more strategically, ask better questions, and feel more confident stepping into conversations that used to feel intimidating. Her influence has shaped how I lead projects, advocate for ideas, and navigate this industry with a lot more clarity.
What I’ll pass on: That strong women don’t compete, they create space. Karen leads with honesty, humor, and real mentorship, and she’s shown me that lifting others up is part of building a lasting career. I hope to carry that forward by empowering the next generation to be bold, collaborative, and unapologetically themselves.
For Jodi, belief comes from the heart.
Jodi Seiferheld and her mom, Sheila Oks
Who she is & how she changed me: For me, it’s my mom. Her nurturing heart has always been my foundation. She’s supported me through every high and low, loved me unconditionally, and reminded me of my strength when I needed it most.
What I’ll pass on: The way she loved me—consistently, patiently, and without conditions–became my blueprint for motherhood. I strive to give my children that same sense of safety and confidence, and I hope they always feel as deeply loved as I have.
For Katie, belief shows up as trust.
Katie DeGennaro’s mentor, Martha Marchesi
Who she is: Martha Marchesi (yes, our Martha!) has been such an influential figure in my professional life, and over the last seven years at JK she has truly empowered me to realize my full potential. Martha has always encouraged me to use my voice, claim my place, and own my talent. Time and time again has trusted me to handle whatever comes my way. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given because Martha believed in me.
How she changed my life and career: I thought female role models in our industry were a myth. Then I met Martha! She’s always been such an incredible example of what it looks like to be a strong, confident leader who knows her worth, trusts her own judgement, and makes everyone feel welcome. Working with her, and being mentored by her, has helped me learn to not only challenge myself but to advocate for myself and be proud of what I create.
What I’ll pass on: Watching Martha lead JK has taught me about the kind of leader and mentor I’d like to be as I grow in my role—someone who invites conversation, pushes people to be their best, and gives plenty of opportunities to show that they are capable.
For Karen, belief is homegrown.
Karen Cindea and her mom, Patty Cindea
Who she is & how she changed me: My mom’s influence has been one of the most grounding forces in both my life and career. Her advice is consistently thoughtful, practical, and rooted in experience, and it has shaped the way I approach challenges and opportunities. She has always pushed me to aim higher, think more strategically, and follow through with confidence. Because of her, I’ve developed a stronger work ethic, sharper judgment, and the resilience to keep growing even when things feel uncertain.
What I’ll pass on: My mom is the definition of hard work and resilience. As a teenager, she juggled many different jobs while running her own nanny business. After moving to New Jersey, she picked up a morning newspaper route simply because one job wasn’t enough to keep her busy. She later climbed the corporate ladder at Travelers and is thriving as the top construction insurance consultant in New Jersey. Her grit, ambition, and work ethic are the values I hope to carry forward and pass on to the next generation.
For Nicole, belief is where strength and compassion meet.
Nicole Brzyski and her mentor, Sharon Weresow
Who she is: Sharon Weresow, my boss, our Executive Director of Client Services, and one of the most genuine leaders I know. She’s brilliant at what she does, but what really stands out is how she leads. With empathy. With heart. With the kind of emotional intelligence that makes you feel seen and supported.
She’s a mom first, and you can feel that in the way she shows up for her team. She models strength and compassion at the same time, and that’s had a huge impact on me. I’m grateful to learn from a leader who proves that being a good human is the most powerful leadership trait of all.
How she changed my life and career: She’s influenced my career by modeling what thoughtful, people-first leadership looks like. Watching her navigate challenges with calm, clarity, and empathy has raised my own standard. She’s helped me trust my instincts more, speak up with confidence, and understand that real impact comes from how you treat people, not just the results you deliver.
What I’ll pass on: I’ve learned that you can be ambitious and still protect what matters most. Watching her prioritize both her career and her family without apology has been powerful. I hope to pass along the reminder that success doesn’t have to cost you your values or your life outside of work.
For Martha, belief is about creating space to succeed.
Martha Marchesi and her mentor, Barbara Kaulius
Who she is & how she changed me: Barb has always had confidence in me, has always believed in me—and proved it by putting me in a role with great responsibility. She sets the bar high, but always has a safety net below it, allowing me the room to learn, to grow, to put my best foot forward. She’s shown me what it’s like to lead with purpose, respect, empathy, and kindness, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her.
What I’ll pass on: That you need to SUPPORT and EMPOWER the women around you so they can be the best version of themselves, both personally and professionally.
For Angelica, belief is steadfast and optimistic.
Angelica Mazariegos and her mother, Ale Mazariegos
Who she is & how she changed me: My mother’s influence impacted my life in every way; from modeling dedication to her family and work, her grit and endurance through challenges in life, and how she over-flowingly showed love for her family and friends. Observing these characteristics throughout life helped shape me, my principles, and how I show up everyday.
What I’ll pass on: Optimism and strength: no matter the situation my mother always managed to come out on the other end with a positive outlook and strength to get through. The lesson I learned that I want to pass along is that you will get through with strength and optimism.
The women who shaped us gave more than advice.
They gave us opportunity and perspective. They gave us empathy and courage. They gave us belief.
And that belief didn’t stop with us.
It became stronger voices. Confident leaders. Women who create space instead of compete. Women who lift as they rise.
Because the belief we receive becomes the belief we give. The support we’re shown becomes the support we extend. And that’s how progress we make becomes the progress we enable in others