Her Story
About Jaima
Jaima Hughes serves as Associate Project Director in the digital marketing space, bringing nearly 10 years of project management expertise to her role. She earned her bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing from Western Washington University and later obtained her PMP certification to formalize her skills in the field. Jaima finds satisfaction in transforming ambiguous project elements into structured plans and clear next steps, often facilitating team collaboration, managing financials and schedules, and supporting team members through challenges. Among her notable achievements, she has mentored a senior project manager who has grown significantly into a leadership role, and she self-published a fantasy novel in 2023-2024, fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming an author. She attributes her success to her deep care for her work, curiosity, openness to learning, and ability to make meaningful connections. Jaima values authenticity and human connections in both her professional and personal life, and she advises young professionals to build strong foundations while learning to release control and trust their teams. Outside of work, she enjoys writing, reading, and outdoor activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking near her home outside Asheville, and she has volunteered at a horse rescue in Washington State.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jaima
01What do you attribute your success to?
I care a lot about whatever it is I'm doing. I've always been interested and curious, always asking questions, always wanting to learn, being open. That enables me to always be growing, discovering how to improve things, and making connections with people.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
As you move up into leadership, there is a fundamental shift from being an individual contributor to a leader. It's about what you choose to focus on, how you spend your energy, and how you see yourself. You're responsible for creating an experience and building a high-functioning team. Also, you have only so much energy, so be careful how you use it and be intentional.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Build your foundation with detail and perfectionism, but be aware of it and look for opportunities to release control, trust the team, and not aim for 100% perfection. The last 20% isn't always necessary, allowing others to grow and taking on more work.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
AI is a big conversation. It can be both a challenge and an opportunity. It can help with fundamental PM basics but should not replace the human element. The key is learning it, keeping up with it, and using it without losing the humanity in the profession.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I really value authenticity. Having people who are human and vulnerable, willing to be direct and say what's true. I value human connections. Passion for what you do, finding small moments of fun, humor, and enjoying each other since we spend so much time together.
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