“So many of us lack the tools and knowledge on how to tailor our meals to the needs of our families and ourselves. I love that Zipongo fills this gap by providing a guided and customized solution to eating well.”
As Zipongo’s Office Manager and Executive Assistant, Jessica supports the entire Zipongo team in a wide variety of efforts, including leading internal wellness initiatives, organizing company events, maintaining office culture and keeping our CEO on track when it comes to his daily responsibilities. Prior to joining Zipongo, Jessica received her MPH from the University of South Florida and worked in the healthcare industry. She is passionate about healthy living and what that means to people of different cultures, and she finds that helping folks lead vibrant lives is tremendously rewarding. She thrives off of unpredictability, loves turning chaos into organized systems and is a pro at managing multiple projects at the same time.
1. Tell us why you joined Zipongo. Until I was about 17 years old, I was one of the pickiest eaters and my diet consisted of about only 5 food items. During a long trip overseas I was introduced to a whole new slew of foods I had never even heard of and realized I had been missing out on so much. Since then, food and the creativity of it has been something that gets me excited. Eating well means so much more than being physically healthy. I believe making healthy food choices boosts happiness, strength, motivation and overall quality of life.
I joined Zipongo because it empowers people to make healthy eating choices without feeling overwhelmed or directionless. So many of us lack the tools and knowledge on how to tailor our meals to the needs of our families and ourselves. I love that Zipongo fills this gap by providing a guided and customized solution to eating well.
2. What are you most proud of (personal or career-wise)? A 6 month trip to India I took 7 years ago. I had been on a plane only once before, I had never travelled overseas, and I went by myself. At the time I was studying cultural anthropology for my undergraduate degree and knew that I wanted to experience the subject beyond my college desk and textbooks. I went to class Monday – Thursday at the University of Hyderabad in south-central India and travelled around the country Friday – Sunday via train. After that trip I knew I wanted to serve in helping to make tangible positive changes in people’s lives rather than just studying culture from an anthropological perspective. My trip to India shaped who I am today and taught me so much about the beauty of people. I experienced some of the most gorgeous sunrises and built the most genuine of relationships with those I met. To this day I am still best friends with my Hindi teacher who now lives in New Jersey.
3. What’s your favorite restaurant in the city? This is tough because I still have so much exploring to do in the city. Having lived in San Francisco for only a month and a half now I would say I have enjoyed the farmer’s market at the Ferry Building the most so far. So many colorful fruits and veggies, it’s impossible not to find something you love there.
4. Can you share something that ranks high on your bucket list? I would love to learn how to sail! I wish I had taken advantage of the free sailing classes at my university in Florida but at the time schoolwork kept me busy. Now that I live on the coast in California I’m reminded again of how amazing I think the sport is and would love to say that I could sail.
Want to work with Jessica and the folks at Zipongo? Check out our current job openings.
