We’re spotlighting our Edelman Culture Champions, individuals recognized by their peers for exceptional dedication, positivity, and contributions to fostering a supportive workplace environment. These champions play a pivotal role in cultivating a culture where every voice is heard and valued. This edition of Inside Edelman features profiles of these outstanding colleagues from our U.S. offices, showcasing their efforts to uphold Edelman’s values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
Tell us about your Edelman journey.
My time at Edelman has been shaped by growth, community, and a deep appreciation for the people I get to support every day. I joined the firm in March 2019 with extensive experience in the administrative field and quickly felt connected to the people and the culture. Over time, my role expanded from supporting our amazing leaders to helping strengthen how our offices function and how our teams connect. Today, as the U.S. Lead Administrative Manager for DC and San Francisco, I have the opportunity to support Executive Assistants at different stages of their careers while also making sure our offices feel like places people want to be.
You were nominated for Culture Champion by your colleagues – how do you foster a collaborative and respectful culture within your team?
I try to foster a collaborative and respectful culture by leading with care and appreciation for the people I work with. I have deep admiration for my colleagues and am truly thankful to work alongside such caring, creative, and compassionate individuals. I genuinely enjoy the work I do and find fulfillment in supporting my colleagues and helping create positive experiences. Being able to support my team in meaningful ways is energizing and motivates me to show up with intention every day.
I focus on listening, being consistent, and learning from those around me. I aim to create an environment where people feel valued, supported, and comfortable sharing ideas or asking questions. When trust is present and people feel respected, collaboration grows naturally, and I am grateful to play a part in that process.
How does your personal background play a role in your professional life?
With more than twenty years of experience in administrative roles, I have learned the importance of being adaptable, thoughtful, and people focused. I have also learned how meaningful it is to create spaces where individuals feel supported and included, and those experiences continue to shape my leadership style today.
Equally influential have been the mentors and leaders who encouraged me to think bigger, take thoughtful risks, and let go of what I cannot control. During my time at Edelman, mentors have been instrumental in my growth by advocating for me, bringing my name into spaces I was not yet in, and making room for me at the table. They exemplify the power of meaningful leadership and empathy, and their support has reinforced my commitment to lead with care, attention to detail, and a deep understanding that everyone’s experience at work truly matters.
When you think about the future of Edelman, what does it look like for you?
When I think about the future of Edelman, I see continued growth grounded in connection, purpose, and people. For me, that includes continuing to be a trusted administrative partner to the executives I support, helping create space for them to focus on the important client work that drives our business forward.
I also see myself continuing to support strong administrative teams, learning alongside my colleagues, and contributing to office experiences that bring people together while supporting flexibility and balance. Being part of a firm that values both collaboration and excellence is meaningful to me, and I look forward to growing alongside Edelman in the years ahead.
Can you tell us about a favorite Edelman office event you’ve organized? What made it so memorable?
It is difficult to name just one event, as each have played a meaningful role in my Edelman experience and in the connections I have been fortunate to build. If I had to choose, this year’s Week of Belonging event stands out. It was planned with a vision to connect people in ways I had not explored before.
At the heart of the experience was intentionally assigned seating, designed to bring together colleagues across teams, tenures, and backgrounds who might not otherwise connect. To support that sense of belonging, I set each table with centerpieces, place settings, and table talk questions to encourage conversation and connection. It was incredibly moving to see colleagues form new relationships, share a warm meal together, and leave the event with a renewed sense of pride in being part of Edelman. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and it meant a great deal to me to help create an experience that resonated so deeply with my colleagues.
Janae Holloway is a Lead Administrative Manager for our Washington DC and San Francisco offices.
