Employee Spotlight: Jacki Ognibene

Meet Jacki Ognibene. The Creative Service manager at Anthem who seems to radiate happiness and comfort wherever she goes.

Jacki pops upstairs every now and then to check up on things and ask us how we are doing. Not only is she amazing at what she does - leading the Anthem team in brand identity and retail packaging projects, but she has the time to care about every individual in the work place.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: The people! I'm so lucky to be part of a team that's made up of such wonderful, intelligent, creative humans. I love having the opportunity to collaborate with so many different personalities and talents - I'm always learning and growing from those around me.

Plus, over the last five years, I've created some of the very best friendships from the crew at Anthem. I am thankful for those amazing people who are part of my life at work and outside of it.

Q: Who has the most influence over you?

A: My mama. She taught me to be a strong confident, independent woman - to be the best version of myself, and stand up for what I believe in.

From her, I learned the importance of patience, perseverance, and how to treat others with respect, love, and kindness.

Q: What color best represents your personality and how does that color make you feel?

A: I love gray - which evidently translates to boring, emotionless, and uninspiring. I'd like to think it's more of a classic and sophisticated representation of my personality ;)

Q: How would your best friends or family describe you in three words?

A: To give an honest answer, I asked around. Here's the verdict: adventurous, loyal, and thoughtful.

Q: What is your favorite activity to do locally and why?

A: Any activity outdoors! Hiking, trail running, mountain biking, boating Boulder Creek - getting out to enjoy all the amazing trails with my hubby, Ryan, and our pup Boone.

Q: What is your favorite local restaurant?

A: My favorite hands down is Lucky's Bakehouse in North Boulder. What your sweet treat dreams are made of! Talk about small batch and homemade done right. Our Saturday morning ritual includes a post hike pit-stop for doughnuts, kombucha, and the best dog treats around.

Q: Best concert you have ever attended?

A: That's tricky...impossible to pick just one. I'm a country girl who loves a good honky tonk (can I get a yeehawww). We saw Midland there earlier this year at the Grizzly Rose - awesome show with some classic boot scootin'.

Q: Where's your favorite place in the world?

A: Lake Vermilion in the north woods of Minnesota. We have a family cabin on the lake up there (on an island...only accessible by boat). Our family has spent every summer there for the last three generations.

That place holds such a special place in my heart. It's full of all the best memories - exploring the wilderness, canoeing, picking blueberries, walleye fishing, water skiing, playing cards, sitting on the dock watching the most spectacular sunsets.

There's no better place on earth.

Q: Secret talent?

A: Airbnb hunting. I have a true talent for finding the best hidden gems on Airbnb. I'm obsessed with searching for unique, unexpected, one of a kind places that make our travels unforgettable. From tiny homes in Portland to a horse farm in Iceland, we've stayed in some amazing places around the world.