Words by Morgan Mercer | Photos by Sarah White
Pollen is celebrating the 14 businesses that have come together in support of Pollen’s mission to build better connected communities. Together, these businesses challenge Pollenites to raise $15,000 by December 31, which they will match dollar for dollar. Donate today and join them in their investment to power human connection.
Eight years into a corporate marketing career and Amee McDonald’s soul felt sapped. Her husband, Clint, felt the same. Back in college at Michigan State University, Amee started out as a social work major. But at 19 years old she left that dream behind and changed her degree, fearing she might not be cut out for the emotional toil of service-based work. Amee realized it was time to trade corporate culture for her real purpose: giving back.
She returned to her roots by founding jabber logic with her husband in 2011, an ad agency alternative for nonprofits. “Many of our clients can’t afford full service brand and agency work,” Amee says. “We started offering consulting and training to either collaborate with clients to help them finish their projects, or to train them to do it themselves.” Now six years later she tells the stories behind nonprofits spurring change in the community. For her, a personal return on investment doesn’t get better than that.
POLLEN: What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Amee McDonald: Play. Graduating from the business school at Michigan State University, there was a very prescriptive path. You follow step one, step two, and step three. You got a corporate job, made money, got married, and had kids. It pigeonholes you and it stifles you. It stops you from creating and making change, all of those things I’m passionate about now. I had to take a step back and reevaluate my life over the last six years. I’ve realized what I need the most is to put that stress away and just wake up in the morning and look at how I can approach my day and work in a playful manner.
It’s difficult some days, but when I approach my life through the lens of play, I feel fulfilled.
POLLEN: What responsibilities do you feel you have as a business leader in your community?
Amee McDonald:
I’ve struggled with this the last couple of years, but what I’ve landed on is that I owe my community authenticity.
I know that’s kind of a trite response, but our Twin Cities community has had a lot of tragedy this year. I’m a white female and my authenticity is supporting different communities that are struggling first hand. That means being honest when I don’t know what my support is, and clearly stating my support when I do know what it is.
POLLEN: What’s your favorite networking meeting place and why?
Amee McDonald: The Impact Hub for a couple of reasons. First, a shout out to Danielle Steer, the manager of operations and member experience at Impact Hub MSP. She gets to know all of the members so well that I can go a month a two without going in there, and the moment I walk in she stops me and introduces me to someone new. Second, the culture is all about social good. None of it is self-serving or about corporate greed.
It’s all about how we can collaborate together to make a difference.
POLLEN: What are your favorite questions to ask someone when you’re trying to help share their story?
Amee McDonald: When you’re trying to tell someone else’s story, having the right questions is important. If you don’t, you’re not going to get to the heart of it.
- When did you get involved with [insert any cause or movement]?
- What does [said cause or movement] mean to you?
- What is your role in [said cause or movement]?
- What have you learned about yourself from being involved in [said cause or movement]?
POLLEN: Why are you a Pollenite?
Amee McDonald: First, I have a huge girl crush on Jamie Millard and Meghan Murphy because they’re kick ass females. Their collaboration and partnership is inspiring. Secondly, Lars Leafblad’s willingness to support others and tell their stories, his dedication to connecting people, and his support for our community is beyond inspiring.
When you put those three together, how could I not be a Pollenite?