We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nadgeena Jerome a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nadgeena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned throughout my career is that hard work alone doesn’t guarantee promotion. In fact, I’ve never been promoted in any job I’ve had. Instead, I’ve been fired, laid off due to restructuring, or left voluntarily because of uncomfortable work environments. However, that doesn’t mean I wasn’t valuable. It simply means that the decision-makers didn’t see my value the way I saw it.

This lesson became particularly clear during my time as a media professional. Over the years, I’ve worked as a news reporter, digital content producer, host, fashion reporter, and writer. Through these roles, I’ve seen both the highs and lows of the industry. The biggest takeaway? You need to enter each job with a specific goal that is distinct from career advancement.

For example, when I worked for a national publication, I wasn’t focused on getting a promotion. I had one clear goal: I wanted national-level writing experience—and I got it. Despite being in a senior-level position and working tirelessly, I realized that my definition of hard work didn’t necessarily align with how others in the organization measured it. But the real value of that experience was that I gained credibility, built a strong portfolio, and created valuable industry connections.

Even though I moved on from that position, I’ve walked away with accolades and experiences that I wouldn’t trade—reporting on high-profile events across the country, modeling for women-owned fashion brands, and contributing to meaningful digital content. Each of these opportunities has added layers to my resume that are now essential to my identity as a creative and entrepreneur.

What I’ve come to understand is that success isn’t just about working harder than everyone else or hoping for promotion. It’s about setting personal goals, knowing what you want to gain from every experience, and remaining true to your purpose—even when the traditional markers of success (like titles and promotions) don’t align with your journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Almost 15 years ago, as a high school delegate at the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) at George Mason University, I found my direction and purpose in journalism. At the time, I wasn’t sure where I fit in the industry as a woman of color, but WJMC showed me that this could be my path. I changed my dream school to GMU, graduated with a communication degree, and returned to WJMC as a Junior Faculty Advisor. The program led to scholarships, jobs, and lifelong friendships, helping me gain clarity about my future in media.

After graduation, I faced challenges finding a full-time job. I worked various gigs, including waiting tables, before landing a role at 2M Media Group in DC. Though I learned valuable skills, I eventually realized that political journalism wasn’t my passion. I shifted to modeling and freelancing as a host, which kept me connected to the industry.

During the pandemic, I moved back to New York and worked with Talent Recap and News 12, while refining my skills and building my portfolio. What I love about the media industry is its fluidity—today, I can be a reporter, host, model, and more. It allows me to tell diverse stories, especially for those whose experiences are often overlooked.

Currently, as a lifestyle reporter, I cover fashion, beauty, and human interest stories, interviewing stars like Daniel Franzese and Jojo Fletcher. I’m proud of my journey, which has included covering major events like Arizona Fashion Week and Swim Week Las Vegas. My advice? Shoot your shot—advocate for yourself and go after what you want. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Your words have power.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to shift its perception of the creative field from secondary to essential. This means providing fair pay, access to resources, and sustainable work opportunities, ensuring creatives have the tools and respect to focus on their craft without constant financial uncertainty. Society must recognize the value of art not only culturally but economically, offering funding, platforms, and opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. We need to eliminate the myth of the “starving artist” by supporting fair compensation and benefits, so creatives can thrive without worrying about survival. In addition, fostering inclusive, accessible educational opportunities in creative fields is vital for talent development. Communities should also invest in spaces—both physical and virtual—that nurture collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. By creating networks of support, celebrating diverse talent, and advocating for visibility, we’ll build an ecosystem where creatives have the foundation they need to succeed.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My creative goal and mission revolve around storytelling that goes beyond surface-level narratives, focusing on elevating diverse voices and bringing visibility to those who are often underrepresented. I’m driven by a desire to create work that resonates on a deep, human level—something that makes people feel and think. Whether through journalism, fashion, or media, my mission is to carve out space for authenticity and representation, especially for those whose stories are overlooked in mainstream media. I want to advocate for myself and others, shoot my shot, and carve my own path. Ultimately, I’m committed to shaping a creative landscape that’s inclusive, empowering, and impactful, and encouraging others to do the same.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @geenajoojoo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadgeena-jerome-87466aa1/

Image Credits

Carlos Velez Studio, Grant Photo, AZFW/Jonathan Wooden, Ed Shin/Shin Bone Photography,