About Valerie Jennings

National Influencer , Award-Winning Entrepreneur & Futurist

I founded my agency, Jennings Social Media & MarTech (JSMM), in 2003, moving into social media and content creation in 2005. Content has been the core of the business with an emphasis on grassroots marketing early on. Social media was a catalyst for innovation in the PR, marketing and advertising industry, and I responded by rapidly changing and adopting new digital marketing strategies. Since its beginnings, I have transformed my company from a small, social media consulting business to a highly-competitive strategic martech firm.

More recently, I transitioned JSMM into the new era of martech, implementing performance-based AI and martech-focused strategies to automate and innovate content marketing, SEO and digital advertising. In a few short years, the agency has hit major growth milestones, expanded new accounts and expanded the agency’s leadership and areas of specialization. The primary goal of JSMM is to help clients grow through the utilization of these emerging technologies, serving and benefiting the global economy. As a visionary leader, oftentimes predicting trends ahead of their time and supporting my theories with internal tests and data collection until she feels new opportunities are ready for clients.

AWARDS

Best Social Media Marketing Agencies in Overland Park

Expertise.com

Top Women in Media 2021 Honoree

FOLIO:

Entrepreneur of the Year

Gold Stevie Award 2021

Marketing Executive of the Year in the CEO & Founder Category

Bronze Stevie Award Winner 2021

Marketing Executive of the Year

Silver Stevie Award Winner 2021

Excellence in Data-Driven Marketing (SEO)

KCDMA AMBIT Awards 2021

Excellence in Data-Driven Marketing (PPC/SEM)

KCDMA AMBIT Awards 2021

Female Entrepreneur of the Year

Silver Stevie Award Winner 2020

Top Women in Media 2020 Honoree

FOLIO:

National Marketer of the Year 2020

DMN

40 under 40

DMN

Top Influencers in Kansas City

BloggerLocal Kansas City

KC’s Most Wanted Honoree

BBBSKC

Most Influential Women in Business of 2014

KC Business Magazine

Leading Innovation Since 2003

19 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS AND STILL INNOVATING

I also stay ahead of the tech landscape by observing the latest trends and seeking opportunities to evolve with the adoption of AI and martech in the modern marketing space. I recently obtained a certification in artificial intelligence taught by leading minds — including Andrew Ng, Stanford University adjunct professor of computer science, who founded and led the Google Brain project, a program developed using mass-scale deep learning algorithms. As CEO, I am not one who takes a backseat to the operations of the agency. I am intimately involved with all client work, including ongoing research and strategy, execution, overseeing the responsibilities of her team, managing overseas teams and being available around the clock to respond to valued clients.
In a recent round-up featured in Forbes, I emphasized the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation. “We, as leaders, must be ready to collaborate with other experts who can help navigate new areas to find creative solutions.” “I also strongly value autonomy and give my team the independence to research new approaches, come together to discuss and find ways to integrate these with emerging trends to help clients stay relevant.” In 2020, I was honored as a FOLIO: Top Women in Media honoree and Marketer of the Year by DMN. I stand alongside talented women content leaders from Forbes, Bloomberg Media, Digitas, ESPN, Consumer Reports, POPSUGAR, Bleacher Report, PEOPLE magazine and more in the FOLIO: Top Women in Media Class of 2020.
This award recognizes an elite group of women who represent the best and brightest up and comers, entrepreneurs, change-makers, corporate champions and industry trailblazers. Amidst the changing times, I have invested much time and many resources to educate the community and industry at large on the latest marketing trends through hosting numerous webinars through local chambers, moderating a digital panel for the 2020 Midwest Digital Marketing Conference and presenting the keynote for the KC Tech Summit. Additional accolades include being named DMN 40Under40 Class of 2018, Kansas City’s Most Wanted Class of 2015 and Most Influential Women in Business Class of 2014. JSMM has also successfully met the requirements of the NWBOC National Certification Program for certification as a woman-owned and woman-controlled business as of 2018. The WBE Certification, provided by the NWBOC for decades, is typically accepted by corporations and government entities. The certification is a prestigious honor and requires a tremendous vetting process to meet the eligibility requirements. My leadership is in-part inspired by my passion for the arts. I founded my companies because I believe in creative expression through digital mediums. My love for writing, art and, above all, music inspires new directions for the agency every day. I took up guitar a little over two years ago in 2018, and it was the best business decision I have made. Music has inspired me to be more creative and to have the patience to take chances in order to move JSMM forward into the new digital age of martech.

Videos