Jennifer N. Barassa is the first winner of a Special Award - the Top 100 mid sized companies Leading Lady Award. She won this award because her business, Top Image, is ranked 10 in the Kenya Top 100 mid sized companies Survey – the highest rank for a business whose founder and CEO is a woman. Jennifer is no stranger to first position. She was the first woman to teach at Lenana School. She was also the first woman to work as a sales representative at Kodak Kenya. Her entry into business came after her employment contract as Group Account Director at McCann Erickson ended. “I now realise that this was a blessing in disguise as it opened the door for greater financial rewards than would otherwise have been possible.” she says. Jennifer has had a long career in marketing and her face is familiar in marketing circles in Nairobi. After leaving Kodak she joined Boots as a Sales Manager, then moved to Johnson and Johnson as Business Development Manager. She then relocated to Tanzania where she worked as Sterling Health’s General Manager/ Country Manager. Her final employed position was in McCann Erickson as Group Account Director. Jennifer is seeking to use her leading position in the promotions industry to drive the creation of an industry association. The association will give businesses like hers a voice in the market. A second purpose of the association will be to promote the recognition of promotional agencies as professional service firms, alongside lawyers and accountants. She is keen to see other advertising professionals recognize the contribution that promotional agencies make and thus adopt a more inclusive approach when crafting strategies for their clients. “Sometimes advertising executives come up with concepts that do not fully take into account the reality on the ground. If they consulted promotional agencies at the time they developed these strategies, I believe the result would be even more successful marketing campaigns.” Jennifer’s expertise has opened the door for her to serve on various Boards. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Kenya Women Finance Trust. In addition she heads the Women’s Desk at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce where she is also a Director. She is also on the Boards of the National Council of Women of Kenya and the Constituency Development Fund. She also serves on various school boards. “All these engagements keep me very busy but I enjoy serving the nation very much.” she says. Words of wisdom to the youth
Her advice to the young is to be committed and focused. “Many young people aren’t sure what they want and do not set goals. Its impossible to achieve anything with that kind of mindset.” She also urges them to value integrity. They should not be discouraged by obstacles but should believe in their ability to succeed and persevere until they achieve their goals.
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