Jordan Geddes Recognized for Helping Others

ELLICOTT CITY, MD, May 9, 2011—The Redhead Companies, a leading marketing firm in the Baltimore/Washington region, today announced that Columbia resident Jordan Geddes, is the winner of its third annual Redhead of the Year competition. The Redhead of the Year is an award that goes to someone who stands up for what she or he believes and does good things for the world. According to The Redhead Companies, this is the very definition of a redhead (red hair not required).

“There were many worthy redheads nominated this year, but we chose Jordan because she is the epitome of a Redhead and stands up for her differences,” said Jane Stelboum, President, The Redhead Companies.  “She embraces them, and she is doing what she's doing to make a positive impact on the world -- to use her own experience to help others who may be suffering.”

“From the ages of 12-19 Jordan suffered from mental health issues including depression, gender identity issues and thoughts of suicide and she spent time in and out of hospitals and rehabs,” said Jane Walker, Executive Director at the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children's Mental Health and Jordan’s nominator. “Today she is 23, she's in school, working, and she advocates for children's mental health. She's overcome so much and is an incredible person.”

“I learned that I can do more than I think I can,” said Jordan Geddes, 2011 Redhead of the Year. “Life gets better. You just need to stick it out. We're all stronger than we think we are. I have no regrets, and while I wish my family and I didn't have to go through all that pain -- it shaped who I am today and I like who I am today. I like my life, my family, and my friends.”

Geddes has experienced more in two decades than most people experience in a lifetime. After years of struggling with mental health issues, sexual identity, being overweight and suicide, she decided she was done being sick and changed her life. She started working, enrolled at Howard Community College, lived healthier, exercised more and lost weight. Today she works to helps others, speaking about her experiences and hoping it will make someone else’s life easier. She has testified before the Maryland General Assembly on bills affecting youth with mental health needs and volunteers at the Maryland Coalition of Families for Children’s Mental Health.  If she could change anything for anyone it would be to have zero tolerance for bullying. She says that calling people names or making fun of them for any reason is "not ok."

“Working with the Maryland Coalition gives me purpose. It is part of the healing process and a way for me to give back and help others,” added Geddes.

While the award is entering its third year, this is the first time that the public was asked to submit their nominations of someone who inspires; a friend, co-worker, teacher, or business associate. As this year’s winner, Geddes will receive a $500 donation to a charity or cause of her choice, which will be the Maryland Coalition.

Past winners include in 2008, President Barack Obama for uniting and inspiring a country, and in 2009 the award went to Murat Turimcilar, the Associate Dean of The George Washington University School of Business who created a new MBA curriculum focused on ethics and corporate social responsibility.

For more information, visit http://redheadcompanies.com/ry.

About The Redhead Companies

The Redhead Companies is a full service marketing, branding and advertising company working within both interactive and traditional media. They also offer internal brand training, culture development and business coaching as part of the Inside/Outside approach to marketing and communications. They work with a wide variety of business to consumer and business to business clients including the GW School of Business, Puerto Rico Convention Bureau, Cable Bahamas, American University Washington College of Law and MedStar Health. Founded in 1991, Redhead is based in Ellicott City, Maryland and serves clients in Washington DC, Baltimore and beyond.