Jessica Meoni

What’s your current position?

I have held the position of Graphic Designer at The Honesdale National Bank for a little over 4 ½ years within the company’s Marketing Department. As a mighty team of three, we strategize, conceptualize, create, and promote all things HNB across print, web, and social media. I am primarily responsible for designing visually appealing materials to communicate the Bank's messages effectively. This includes sustaining our branding through advertising, branch merchandising, event wayfinding, internal forms and document processes, and multi-layered campaign materials for personal banking, business banking, wealth management, and community affairs. My day-to-day transforms across myriad programs, tools, and tasks, implementing our brand’s color palette, typography family, proprietary photography, voice, tone, and overall look and feel to reinforce our identity through our products and services to current and prospective customers within the lifecycle of community banking.

What would you say most motivates you to do the work you do?

I find great joy in marrying a creative eye with the technical aspects of production, and more so, I love that graphic design serves a greater purpose of communication, balance, and problem-solving through visuals. It also provides an outlet for my expression; the process of creating aesthetically pleasing designs and the satisfaction of seeing my work come to life is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, my work behooves me to stay up-to-date with the latest design trends and technologies, inspiring me to adapt to more efficient workflows that help us work smarter, not harder.

As a whole, community is what motivates my life inside and outside the office. I enjoy working for a local bank knowing our personalized service to each customer is a shining example of our commitment to going the extra mile. I retain this same energy and perspective for any events I organize in my own time, as well. One of my passions and extracurriculars is to elevate artists and musicians in the Northeast Pennsylvania area through The Scranton Punk Rock Flea Market, The Burning Roses Music & Arts Festival, The NEPA Horror Fest, and more.

Where did you grow up and did you go to a college/trade school after high school?

I grew up in the Green Ridge neighborhood of Scranton and moved to West Scranton in 1997, attending West Scranton High School in the early 2000s. After, I attended Marywood University for my undergraduate degree in graphic design with minors in art history and world history. I became a graduate assistant in their Marketing Department, contributing as an assistant designer to their lead designer and art director. During this time, I pursued my Master of Fine Arts degree while working there and instructing occasional night classes. I enjoyed my time at Marywood University and continue to correspond with former professors and mentors to this day.

Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are?

I have had so many influences in my life and continue to do so every day. Some so many people make me want to be better in my life, especially in the realm of giving back to the community. It’s hard to always pinpoint someone, but I would say, Christine Medley, my former professor, and Carrie Toomey, my former supervisor are usually the first to come to mind. They transformed my way of thinking in my formative years to take chances and use my creativity in ways I wouldn’t have thought possible.

How did you learn about Leadership Lackawanna?

I learned about Leadership Lackawanna in college at some point and knew I wanted to apply, but I didn’t feel quite ready yet. Then, while working at Marywood after graduating with my Bachelor’s, I finally applied and was accepted! Soon after, my life went on a new trajectory to Binghamton to be the new Art Director at SUNY Broome Community College which led me to ultimately pass on the opportunity. However, I’m so glad I reapplied later in life and had the chance to meet everyone I have in my 2022 Core Program class. I’m overjoyed to continue my work now as a board member for Leadership Lackawanna and as an advisor for incoming classes. I love being a part of LL!

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Alumni of the Month

Jessica Meoni