Here at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Jocelyn Sperko

My Current Job/Company:
Leadership, People + Culture at Gerber, LLC

My Birthday:
11.12.1980

My Work:
In a nutshell, my job is to make sure our clients and our employees are happy. I do this by enriching the lives of our employees through wellness, culture, and benefits. And with our clients, that means deepening their experience through meaningful events, timely information, and useful technology.

My Passion:
Family, friends, making others laugh and smile, contributing positively to someone else’s day, traveling and experiencing as much of this crazy, beautiful world as possible!

My Family:
My Dad (who has taught me to work hard, do what’s right and, above all else, have fun), my three brothers (who ‘toughened’ me up as a kid), my sister-in-law, plus three nieces (who I spoil immensely) my two rescue pups (professional snugglers and full time fur bags) and a close circle of incredible friends

My Heroes:
My parents, hands down. They worked hard to provide my brothers and me with an amazingly rich and fulfilling childhood. They taught us a foundation of values but let us think for ourselves. We were never told what to do with our lives but were taught to support and take care of ourselves – it didn’t matter what we wanted to be when we grew up, as long as we were happy. My parents set the bar really high for what it means to be a spouse, a parent, a family, a friend.

My Escape:
Laying around with a good book, watching the sunset (or rise) from a beach or mountain-top

My Pet Peeve:
Pessimism, entitlement, not taking responsibility or ownership for your actions

My Indulgence:
Pizza. And a perfectly mixed Manhattan (with the ‘good’ cherries, of course).

My Roots:
Humble. Family-oriented. Jovial.

My Future:
Exciting. Fulfilling. Adventurous. Purposeful.

My Quote on Life:
“Happiness depends upon ourselves” (Aristotle)

My Accessory:
Fall, winter, spring: my beanie. Summer: a turquoise cuff that belonged to my mom…it makes me think of her, which makes me smile J

My Advice to Young Women:
Don’t take life too seriously, it’s meant to be one big adventure. Work hard for what you believe in and put your best foot forward…but don’t forget to have plenty of fun along the way!

How I Balance it All:
Balancing everything implies that one part of my life must give for another to take. So I think of it more as “finding balance” or making sure all parts of my life work together in harmony. I make time for the things that are important to me and I have learned to say “no” to the things that aren’t. I don’t hesitate to put a workout or lunch with a friend on the office calendar – it means I’m not available for an hour or two – but the needed escape ensures I can give 110% when I am back at the office.

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Jackie Messinger

My Current Job/Company:
Director of Recruitment & Education/Flying Horse Farms

My Birthday:
05.30.78

My Work:
I bring people to Flying Horse Farms, a residential camp for children with serious illnesses. My team recruits campers, their families, volunteers and staff. Camp is fun, medically-safe, transformational and completely free to families.

My Passion:
Muay Thai, travel, live music, friends and wellness

My Family:
Joe (hubby of 10 years) Roxy & Bobby Weir (my pups)

My Heroes:
Our campers

My Escape:
Warm days & long runs

My Pet Peeve:
Intentionally misspelled words in business names

My Indulgence:
Really good coffee

My Roots:
Nurture friends and family first.

My Future:
Helping others.

My Quote on Life:
“To the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world.” (Bill Wilson)

My Accessory:
Jackets (the outdoorsy “gear” kind)

My Advice to Young Women:
Support and encourage one another. There is room for everyone to succeed.

How I Balance it All:
In progress.

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Trisha Krejci

My Current Job/Company:
Managing Director of Structuring, Risk and Scheduling/American Electric Power Energy Supply

My Birthday:
February 8

My Work:
I am responsible for the middle-office functions of AEP’s unregulated subsidiary, Energy Partners, which means support of the front-office/commercial groups of Trading and Marketing.

My Passion:
Quality time with my husband and daughter, my friends and family and giving back to my community particularly through helping children via athletic endeavors.

My Family:
Matt (husband and true partner in every aspect of our lives), Polly (daughter and spirited/adorable 15-month-old), Lucy Lu (our first canine child) and Willie Mays (little brother to Lucy and somewhat of a dufus).

My Heroes:
Growing up my parents were perfect and my model heroes while Andre Agassi and Travis Ford were my sports heroes! Today, I am inspired by people who set exceptional examples through kindness and selfless acts with no motivation for glory.

My Escape:
The beach, golf course, or any relaxing vacation with my husband. A good laugh does wonders.

My Pet Peeve:
Ignorance

My Indulgence:
I love those bottled Starbucks Frappuccino drinks, and more specifically, I love to mix a mocha one with a coffee one. I balance a healthy dose of guilt for turning my dear friend, Peggy, onto this concoction with the glee I feel when we get to share one together while catching up!

My Roots:
Laid back and low key. Respectful. Enjoying life with those whom I share meaningful relationships.

My Future:
I hope it is raising a loving and happy family and leaving the world a little better than I found it.

My Quote on Life:
“Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” -Jim Valvano

My Accessory:
Unique, fine jewelry.

My Advice to Young Women:
Stand up for yourself, because you are the only one you can guarantee will.

How I Balance it All:
I feel like I keep a strong head around prioritization in my life, and as long as I keep clarity there, I can figure out the rest. From there, I balance working hard with nice routine vacations.