Relief Society and Social Media | A How I Lead Interview with Jennifer Sumko

Jennifer Sumko grew up in Salt Lake City Utah and graduated from
the University of Utah with a degree in Communications. She worked
in various marketing and account management jobs prior to having
children and staying at home as a full-time mother. She started a
photography business while her husband was in residency and taught
herself how to sew by watching YouTube videos while her babies were
sleeping. It was during those years, living on the east coast, that
she gained a deep love and appreciation for antiques and making old
things appear as new. Jennifer has always had a love and passion
for design. In 2018 She started Jen Sumko Vint—a company rooted in
a love of all things vintage—and took on design clients
specializing in textiles, wallpapers, and antique furnishings. She
launched an earring collection early in 2019 and created her own
small dress label the end of that year. Her latest project has been
a spring and summer clothing, swim, and shoe collection with
Dillard’s that will launch and be available nationwide in February
2023. Jennifer is currently serving as a Young Women president in
Mesa, Arizona, after serving as Relief Society president in a ward
doubling in numbers weekly. She has also served in a stake Young
Women presidency and as a counselor in Young Women, Relief Society,
and Primary while living in Pennsylvania. You can find her on
social media through Instagram @JenniferSumko or at a local thrift
or antique store sorting through treasured goods. Highlights 03:00
Introduction to Jennifer Sumko, her work as a designer, and using
Instagram for business 10:40 God gave us technology to make us
strong but it can also be a weakness. Social media can be an
unhealthy escape. 13:40 The dynamic of social media with the relief
society sisters 15:30 The danger of social media is judgment and
comparison, even if it’s wholesome content. 17:40 The top five
people on your feed are actually the top five people that are
influencing your life. Take a look and evaluate your feed and what
you are seeing daily and how it’s influencing you. 18:20 Invite God
into your work and social media. 21:20 Even though we need to be
careful with social media, so much good is coming from it. 22:45 Be
intentional with your social media Why are you on social media? Is
it education or entertainment? To escape? Use social media to reach
out to others Think of how you can use social media in a positive
way 25:30 Reaching out on social media Simply liking someone’s post
Writing a comment Engage with people’s content If you are not on
social media, text a friend 26:45 How can the Relief Society
leverage social media? 30:00 Social media should not replace in
person connection and community. Focus first on your most important
relationships. 35:40 We can learn a lot about people by who they
follow online. Create an activity about it and share who you follow
online. This could help people connect over common interests. 36:50
Dealing with disagreements. Ask people questions not to attack but
to understand. Invite Jesus in to help us understand other
individuals. Remember that no one has the answers. 39:00 The
struggle we are all having right now is feeling like we have a seat
at the table and helping others feel included too. 40:00 Jennifer’s
final thoughts and testimony Links Jennifer Sumko Vintage
Instagram: @jennifer_sumko Read the TRANSCRIPT of this podcast
Watch on YouTube Scriptures referenced in this podcast: Ether
12:27, Doctrine & Covenants 8 Gathering Saints The Leading
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