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Jessica Reeder
Creativity, community, empathy, communication. Doing: #remotework strategy & culture @gitlab. Learning: #IOPsych @Harvard.
Jessica "JJ" Reeder is a dynamic and innovative professional who has made a significant mark in the realms of creativity and organizational strategy. With her unique blend of expertise that bridges creativity, leadership, and technology, JJ has successfully collaborated with brands and individuals at the forefront of cultural advancement, including notable organizations such as Burning Man, GitLab, Vice/Creators, and Toptal. Her work primarily revolves around creating engaging, inclusive, and results-driven team cultures, an endeavor she embraces with passion and commitment.
Currently, JJ plays a pivotal role at GitLab, one of the world's largest all-remote companies, where she leads the development of remote work strategies, campaigns, and initiatives. Her deep understanding of remote organizational dynamics allows her to effectively shape the culture and operations of teams working in a virtual environment. Through her leadership, she empowers individuals and teams to thrive creatively while fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation in every project she undertakes.
JJ's education has laid a solid foundation for her career. She holds a Master of Liberal Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from the prestigious Harvard University, which provides her with sound principles to understand employee behavior in different organizational settings. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of California, Berkeley, enhancing her communication skills and her ability to connect with people from various backgrounds. Her academic journey also took her across the ocean to France, where she studied Linguistique at Université Toulouse - Jean Jaurès, further enriching her linguistic proficiencies and cultural awareness.
Throughout her career, JJ has held various leadership positions that showcase her versatility and depth of knowledge in organizational effectiveness and creative strategy. She was the Director of Remote Organizational Effectiveness at Upwork, where she enhanced operational efficiency and team collaboration in a remote setting. Her extensive tenure at GitLab also included roles such as Senior Strategy & Operations Manager for Workplace, Senior Manager for Remote Work, and All-Remote Campaign Manager, where she contributed significantly to GitLab's journey in establishing a culture of remote work.
Before her work in these key roles, JJ served as the Manager of Internal Community Engagement Programs at Toptal. In this capacity, she developed programs that promoted community and engagement among remote workers, fostering a sense of belonging and teamwork. Her experience as an instructor in Continuing Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, also speaks to her commitment to education and knowledge sharing, reflecting her desire to uplift others through learning.
JJ has held creative positions that underline her broad skillset, including Creative Director at J.H. Fearless and Online Marketing Manager at MOG, where she actively engaged with a community of users and shaped marketing narratives. Additionally, her work as the Communications & Education Director at Burning Man Playa Restoration highlights her passion for community-oriented initiatives and cultural endeavors.
Overall, Jessica "JJ" Reeder is a multifaceted communicator and leader, possessing a unique ability to inspire and drive results through collaboration, creativity, and cultural awareness. Her commitment to creating enriching environments and effective strategies for remote work has not only solidified her place in the industry but has also enabled her to positively impact countless individuals and organizations.
In her own words, she is the secret ingredient, a catalyst for innovation and inclusivity in every project she engages with. Collaborating with JJ means striving for excellence, embracing creativity, and unlocking the full potential of teams to make meaningful contributions to the world.
