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Maypoll 2022-2023: Alumni Lives

Mayfield Junior School alumni find their passion and true potential in many meaningful and dynamic fields and careers. The alumni featured here draw from their Holy Child experience, continue to love learning, and stay true to their unique gifts and perspectives.

Meet Jacqueline Jabarian Geragos ’08

2023-2025 Alumni Council Chair

In June, MJS was pleased to announce Jacqueline Jabarian Geragos ’08 as the next Alumni Council Chair. Jacqueline has served on the Alumni Council since 2020, including as Secretary during the 2021-2023 term. She will serve as Alumni Council Chair through June 2025.

Sometimes magic happens in challenging times. When the pandemic required the world to stay home, Jacqueline made plans. A COVID cleaning project in her parent’s home kept her busy, but it also inspired her. She realized taking the chaotic to composed brought her joy. In 2023, Jacqueline Jabarian Geragos ’08, Mayfield Junior School’s new Alumni Council Chair, is a busy mom and business owner. Those pandemic plans have become a successful home organization business called The JAJA Effect, and she couldn’t be happier.

Jacqueline admits she has always liked cleaning and organizing, “There are pictures of me mopping and organizing my Barbie dream house!” but she never dreamed it would become her career. After high school, Jacqueline attended the University of Southern California (USC), earning her degree in communications, and straight out of college was hired by a top Los Angeles public relations firm. Everything seemed to be going well, except something was missing. “I worked as a publicist on red carpet events, and it felt right,” she explained. “Then, one day, I realized many of the staff were married to their jobs. I wanted more.” Stepping away from the fast-paced life in the entertainment industry, Jacqueline started working for her father in wholesale jewelry. When the pandemic hit extra time provided a new opportunity. Still living at home, she used the time to go from room to room, cleaning and organizing her parent’s home. She created a schedule, coordinated systems, and maximized storage. It felt good, and her fiancé, now husband,suggested she consider making it a career. The JAJA Effect was born. Sitting for this interview with her son on her lap, Jacqueline was introspective. “I feel good about the route I took and where I am now. With my own company, I can control the amount of work I have, which is great because I can take more time to give back and volunteer here on the Alumni Council and in the community. I can better navigate the time that I have.”

When she is not organizing homes and businesses across Southern California, Jacqueline loves to give her time to helping others. She has worked with the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) for many years, providing aid to families and children in Armenia. The association provides basic needs and education opportunities, and Jacqueline loves that Armenians are helping Armenians. She has met some amazing women and their families who share her compassion and willingness to make a difference.

Being back on campus as Alumni Council Chair also brings her joy. Jacqueline is excited to support the school she loves. “I am so appreciative of the education and experience I had at Mayfield Junior School. I believe so much of who I am and what I do comes back to my time here at MJS.”

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