Next Up Columbus 2023: Jurgita Fumo
Interview by Derek Grosso
Name: Jurgita Fumo
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Age: 45
Profession: Founder & Executive Director at Celebrating One
Neighborhood: New Albany
Education: Food Service & Nutrition Management
Community Involvement: Volunteer at Celebrating One, Advisor at The Morgan Breanna Hicks Foundation, Advisory Board Member at Master Pieced, and Advisory Board Member at The 411 Foundation
Motto: Actions speaks louder than words.
Connect: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
Give us a snapshot of your path
I was born and raised in Kaunas, Lithuania. When I graduated high school I was a single mom to my 6-month-old son. Once opportunity presented I immigrated to Canada and worked two full-time jobs. I Obtained a couple certifications and finally went to college where I earned my Food Service & Nutrition Management diploma. You know is not easy to college when your English vocabulary very limited, but I did it. I then worked in food service industry & long term care for 6 years. Lucky me, I met my husband in 2006 and we all moved to Buffalo, NY few years later, were I worked as office manager and became a mom for a second time. Then few years later my husband’s work brought us to Columbus, OH. Fast forward to now, Celebrating One will be 7 years in October, we have awarded scholarships to highs school seniors, helped hundreds of families, and mailed thousands of inspirational notes.
What gets you up in the morning? And what gets you through the workweek?
Waking up knowing that your family is healthy & happy, really helps me to get up in the morning. Also enjoying what you do for the living helps too. I am very passionate and proud of what I have built and I enjoy what I do.
What advice or mentors have helped guide you along the way?
The biggest supporter of my adventures is my husband Paul. He is my grounding wire LOL. Best advise received – nothing is free in this life, don’t expect anything from anyone.
What do you do or where do you go to unwind?
Summer time I enjoy my backyard, grilling, spending time with family & friends, and enjoying an icy beverage. And of course movies or TV shows anything sci-fi or horror. Some days you will find me throwing axes.
What are a few of your favorite local spots in Columbus?
Quick lunch for business meeting or dinner with friends/family you will find me either at Rusty Bucket or at Elliot’s Woodfire Pizza in New Albany. For very special occasion my favorite spot would be Mitchell’s Ocean Club.
When you were a kid, what did you say you wanted to be when you grew up?
I really wanted to be a psychologist or be my own boss 🙂
What books or podcasts are you reading/listening to right now?
At the moment I am reading two books, both local Columbus authors. For work I enjoy reading “Networking Essentials for Success” by Chris Borja and for pleasure I enjoy reading “I’ll Be There For You” by Brieanna Wilkoff
What does it mean to you to be chosen for the Next Up Columbus award?
It is a big deal for me. I am really honored to be selected for this award. This is my very first award in my life. I feel lucky to have so many kind people in my life that took time share their views and grateful for the selection committee for choosing me.
If someone were to ask you what the “pulse” of Columbus is, what would you tell them?
I would say people! Columbus is full of kind hearted, hard working & interesting people!
The Next Up Columbus Awards highlight emerging leaders who are connectors and ambassadors in central Ohio and who are making a positive impact on the future of Columbus. The Columbus Young Professionals Club would like to offer special thanks to our 2023 co-presenters, Discover Financial, Ohio Dominican University and Quantum Health for their support of this year’s awards program. Meet the entire “Class of 2023” »
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