Meet Our Member

The IESNYC spotlights a member each month whose volunteerism, perspectives or personal story helps advance our goals, pique our curiosity, and whose contributions help the IESNYC become a more vibrant and diverse lighting community. We value their expertise and thank them for volunteering their time and energy for the betterment of the section and NYC Lighting Community. #the_iesnycmom

April 2023

Jean Jacques
Executive Vice President
SDA Lighting & Controls

Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I stumbled into the lighting industry 27 years ago by pure happenstance. I’m an architect by training, and like most design students, the passion for architecture burned brightly. In my case, it was so bright that I chose to move forward into a master’s in architecture program, with the end goal of teaching architecture one day.

I was standing online registering for my first set of courses at graduate school when I realized…that passion had dimmed substantially. I hit the brakes, answered a vague ad in a local paper, and took a job as an administrative assistant to bide my time while I figured out a new plan. That admin position turned out to be at Continental Lighting, a local NYC lighting rep agency that would later merge with Stan Deutsch Associates, now SDA Lighting & Controls.

That was my way in, and it’s been a marvelous ride!

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
I’d been deeply involved with professional organizations during my college days. Going back three decades now, I think I was either president or vice-president of CCAP (The City College Academy for Professional Preparation). I’d joined NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) back in my student days as well. So, I had an appreciation for professional organizations in terms of networking and support. It was a pretty natural progression for me to seek out the IESNYC once I had committed to lighting as my newfound profession.

Since becoming an IES member, I’ve sought opportunities to engage both personally and through the agency. I’ve volunteered as a Lumens Awards judge, participated on panels, and supported various other events wherever I can.

Q: How do you see your role as a Member of the IESNYC?
Certainly, it is an honor to be selected this month by IESNYC. It feels like there is already a natural alignment between my own personal values and those of the Section. My daily intention is to set a positive example, to become a better leader for my team, and to serve as a reliable resource for our clients and brand partners. There may be missteps here and there, which is to be expected, but always lessons to be learned while setting a consistent, professional tone. This is where I want to be.

I live each day with intention. We don’t have a ton of time on this little blue planet of ours, so we have to make that time count.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
IESNYC can serve individuals at all different stages of their careers through a variety of functions. For established professionals, the organization offers numerous opportunities to network, collaborate, and engage with other industry experts.

Meanwhile, newcomers get an avenue to easily plug-in and join a collective with shared principles that can provide structure and a pathway to future success. Through the Society’s student competitions, Next Gen events, and Emerging Professionals programs, a lot of wonderful work is being done to attract and support aspiring lighting professionals.

A natural progression of these initiatives would be a focus on mentorship. My own journey was heavily influenced by incredible individuals that shared their experience and guidance when I needed it. Implementing a mentorship program that offers long-term support to early-career individuals could prove invaluable to emerging practitioners. Such a program could serve as a vital resource, providing ongoing opportunities for all kinds of skills development and for career growth and retention. I’m certain there are many lighting veterans that would sign on to lend a hand in ushering in the next generation of lighting professionals.