MANILA, PHILIPPINES – An agency born from a belief in the boundless potential of the human mind has officially launched: The Jayme headquarters. Founded by Merlee Jayme, a globally recognized creative leader, former Chief Creative Officer for Dentsu Asia Pacific, and the founder of the multi-awarded DM9 Jayme Syfu (bringing home the first and only Cannes Lions Grand Prix for the Philippines), Jayme HQ is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Being named the 2024 Campaign Diversity and Inclusion Champion, she is on a mission to revolutionize the creative landscape by embracing neurodiversity.
Jayme’s roots lie in The Misfits Camp, a groundbreaking training center dedicated to upskilling neurodivergent and deaf individuals. Now, she takes this commitment a step further, offering a platform for these talented individuals to showcase their unique abilities and contribute to groundbreaking creative work in an actual workplace led by advertising veterans.
Sam Alapan, a professor at The Mint College, will assume the Head of The Misfits Camp role, continuing its mission to empower and train neurodiverse creatives. This partnership ensures that individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to entry in the creative field have access to opportunities to showcase their skills and contribute to innovative work in an actual creative workplace.
Jayme says, “My passion and purpose are to unlock creativity in all its forms, including the brilliant minds that often fall through the cracks. “After years of training and witnessing the incredible potential within the neurodiverse community, I’m thrilled to open an agency where their talents can shine, allowing them to have a career.”
She is joined in this noble mission by a team of industry leaders as her co-founders. Edg Samson, a seasoned veteran, leads as Chief Client Officer, while the young and visionary Nikki Golez takes the helm as Creative Director. JR Ignacio, a digital and innovation expert with a proven track record at Dentsu and BBDO Singapore, Kheng Masangkay, an experienced finance manager, and Alex Cataluña, an up-and-coming young art director, round up the team. It is interesting to note that these founders have family experiences with neurodiversity.
Samson shares that “JHQ and TMC is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that champions and showcases global standards of creativity and diversity in thinking, which, in turn, fuel creative opportunities for the neurodivergent. It is an intimate set-up that allows for hands-on expertise without the red tape.”
Together, they aim to celebrate diversity and leverage it to create award-winning, impactful work. Jayme HQ is not just an agency; it’s a movement to redefine creativity and empower a new generation of talent.
