It didn’t exactly “peak by April,” did it? One year into the realities of COVID-19, the Intesa team briefly reflects on a few highlights of a year unlike any other…
Margie Newman, Founding Partner
One week, you’re running a small business and celebrating year-over-year growth; the next, you must reimagine how to lead your people, serve your clients, stabilize your revenue, and homeschool your young children all at the same time. You know what? We did it. We’re still doing it. The COVID Year reinforced my beliefs that technology is a blessing, children are resilient, and that humans do their best work when they have context and connection.In 2020, the world made time for humans. We taught humans, missed humans, protected humans, loved humans, and vocally championed rights of humans of color (that work is far from over). One year in, Intesa is still showing a thriving balance sheet, a spirited team, and even launched our first-ever small business product, “Seas the Day.” As a citizen, I pray we never lose the human-first spirit. As an entrepreneur, I am grateful for a year that in so many ways made me a better leader, friend, partner, and mother.
Maddy Kilkenny, Partner
When I reflect on the last year of COVID, I can’t help but be grateful for my husband and sons. Grateful that we got to spend so much time together, and that we survived homeschooling, lack of toilet paper, and the overall fear and sadness that COVID brought into our lives. I’m grateful that we all knew our problems and concerns paled in comparison to so many others. And grateful that through all the ups and downs, we found out that we really like each other and that I can still cook if I have to.
Haley Wonsley, Senior Account Manager
This year has taught us that when we have our darkest days, like living through a pandemic or being awakened to systemic inequality, we also find our strengths and ability to be better than we were. The highlight has been welcoming our new nephew, Sam, into the world and seeing my sister and brother-in-law become first-time parents. My husband and I also escaped on a couple of road trips for some fresh air and recharging. The latest was across the southwest and back through Utah’s National Parks, Winston in tow! Sunset walks in Oceanside have also cemented themselves into our “distanced” routine.
Nancy Ives Schroeder, Director of Public Relations
In January 2020, my 6th-grade twins started a new school! Now they’re finally able to go to a campus in-person, five days a week where they’re interacting with new friends and learning a ton, which is a welcome relief for all of us. (Although, the increased homework load and academic rigor is not high on their list.) Two weeks ago, my Tijuana rescue dog, Cinco, married his lovely golden retriever lady friend, Maggie, in a beautiful ceremony. After exchanging “woofs,” Romeo, the hamster, delivered dog-friendly cupcakes to the newlyweds on a delicate pillow marking the beginning of a long, furry life together!
Mindy Wright, Senior Account Manager
As I look back on a year that found me working from closets, my car, or with a toddler using me as a jungle gym, I smile because through the hard times I also got laughs and memories that I’ll treasure always. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had this year such as volunteering with Promises 2 Kids through the Lead IMPACT program and working with some really meaningful client projects like SBCS’s current push to distribute $17 million dollars in rental and utility assistance to Chula Vista residents impacted by the pandemic. Finding joy and meaning through tough times is much easier with a great team by your side, and we definitely have that at Intesa.
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Though we are far from putting the pandemic behind us, we’re so much closer to better times than we were a year ago. Over here, we’re continuing to shine a light on the bright spots in our day and we’d love to hear your high points. Of course, if you ever need a PR boost or community and gov’t relations assist, give us a shout. We’re here for you!
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