Jessica Merar, Founder of The Dragonfly Foundation
Name: Jessica Merar
Founder: The Dragonfly Foundation
Who is Jessica Merar?
Since before I can remember, I always knew I wanted to help others. I became a Child Life Specialist so I could do just that - support hospitalized children and their families with procedure preparation, distraction, and offering coping skills. After 15 years, I felt like I needed more. I tried pharmaceutical sales - and while I grew my region and learned a LOT about business, I was miserable... I wanted to be a part of a clinical team, not barging in on one. With my child development skills, background in pediatric oncology, and business development and sales experience, I decided to open the Chicago chapter of The Dragonfly Foundation. And here we are!
In less than three sentences tell us about your company and what you do.
The Dragonfly Foundation supports pediatric cancer patients and their families at time of diagnosis, throughout treatment, and beyond. We strive to fulfill day to day needs; anything from gas cards to grocery cards to household essentials (with the fun things thrown in as well - to birthday parties, events and outings!) As we avidly raise funds and awareness, we're able to grow our programming, and have added hairloss experience support kits, teaching doll support, holiday help, and connecting our families - one of the most important aspects of what we do. Working with front line staff at 8 local partner hospitals, we're able to offer courage, strength, and joy to those we serve at a time when it is needed most.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
As I often say, I have Imposter Syndrome. Christine Netizke is the Founder of The Dragonfly Foundation - she has built an incredible organization that supports thousands of pediatric cancer patients and their families in the Cincinnati area. I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to use Dragonfly for my patients at Lurie Children's, and that I stayed in touch with the team, so that when I had the crazy idea to expand into Chicago, they agreed. I think recognizing a need is incredibly important; acting on it even more so. I always say 'life has no remote; get up and change it yourself' and I like to think I lead by example.
There was such a hole for this type of support. We have amazing pediatric oncology nonprofits here in the area, and we have enjoyed partnering with all of them, as we all have the same intent of helping those we support. But at the end of the day, the passion, the drive, the dedication and the determination will help you succeed - and in this case, help you succeed in helping others!
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I absolutely love this network of incredible women. I am floored by the raw talent and sheer determination in this community. This world is feeling quite broken these days - so it is incredibly wonderful to do something positive TOGETHER - lifting each other up, partnering to make a difference... every little bit inspires and energizes me. We truly are better together.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
How to hear the word 'no'! It's not necessarily an actual no, but a 'not right now.' And also, not to take it personally. There are so many factors and it is rarely 'you'. This helped me in pharmaceutical sales, and it certainly has helped tremendously in fundraising. Many of my initial 'no's have turned into lucrative partnerships! Relationships are people-driven... kindness is king, slow growth is key, and getting to know one another is priceless these days.
How did you land your first client?
My first MAJOR sponsor was a huge win. It took about 18 months from idea to inception... but was worth every minute. Phone conversations, coffee dates, proof of concept/idea... again, it is critical to know your message, who you're delivering it to, and who you are as PEOPLE. My work is incredibly human in nature. And it feels so good when it pays off!
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
Transparency. I absolutely love nothing more than turning back around to donors to tell them what their funds have supported. I don't see it often and I try incredibly hard to be transparent. Donors love to know the cause they're getting behind, and get a glimpse into the world they're supporting. Also... a really nice, hand-written card is always well received. In a world of tech and short answers, it is meaningful, personal, and yet another way to connect in a relationship.
Do you want to share your story and advice with the Dear FoundHer… community? CLICK HERE to submit your information.
Follow us on Instagram @dearfoundher and join our Facebook community for more conversation.
Make sure you tune in to Dear FoundHer… for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.
