Meet Jessica Dortch | Marketing Professional & Creative Strategist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Dortch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Growing up in Athens, Georgia, with a legacy of University of Georgia graduates in my family, I was raised with the expectation that I, too, would attend UGA. It seemed like my destiny was set in stone, but life had different plans for me, and as my journey unfolded, I began to understand why.

In the latter part of my senior year of high school, after being waitlisted by UGA, my father and I embarked on a mini SEC road trip to visit the University of Alabama and Ole Miss. The moment I set foot on Alabama’s campus, I felt an unexpected sense of clarity and ease—something I should have recognized as a sign.

Despite being the captain of the cheerleading team, surrounded by friends, excelling in advanced classes, and participating in various extracurricular activities, I often felt like an outsider in my own life. My parents’ divorce during my sophomore year, along with other traumatic experiences from that period, further unsettled me. I had already faced trauma earlier in my childhood, but I had chosen to suppress it. By my senior year, I finally began therapy, confronting the challenges I had long avoided.

As a strong advocate for mental health, I can confidently say that therapy changed my life. It helped me understand who I was, what I had been through, and made me realize I needed to change the direction I was heading in—even if I didn’t yet know what that meant for my future. When UGA finally sent my admission decision, deferring me to a spring semester start date, I felt like my world was crumbling. I had envisioned myself at a large SEC school from the start, rushing for a sorority, attending football games, and tailgating. That’s when I realized I could still have that experience—just at the University of Alabama.

The night my parents dropped me off at Alabama marked the best night of my life. For the first time, I felt truly alive and free, ready for a fresh start without any baggage from my past.

During my time at Alabama, I made lifelong friends, learned from brilliant professors, and had an incredible time at football games (I even met my now-husband at one—Roll Tide!), I adopted my soul dog, Chesney, and discovered my purpose as a creative, gaining life and professional skills that would serve me wherever I ended up. The rise of social media at the time also marked the beginning of my professional journey, leading me to where I am today.

Today, I’m a Marketing Manager at one of Atlanta’s top real estate brokerages, Engel & Völkers Atlanta, where I lead a talented team of women in creating beautiful marketing assets that elevate our clients’ brands.

It took facing the reality that I wasn’t who I thought I was to realize that my true destiny had been waiting for me all along. While I may get some playful jabs from UGA fans—including my own father—I proudly say Roll Tide and wear the Alabama “A” with pride whenever I visit my hometown of Athens, Georgia.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a journey shaped by a blend of determination, mentorship, and a deep passion for creativity. After initially planning to attend the University of Georgia, life took an unexpected turn that led me to the University of Alabama, where I found a sense of belonging that had previously eluded me. It was during my time there that I began to truly discover who I was and what I was meant to do. The experiences and connections I made in college, including meeting my now-husband at an Alabama football game, laid the foundation for my professional path.

One of the most defining moments of my career was my marketing internship at Hot Topic, where I had the privilege of working under Cindy Levitt, a lifelong family friend and an inspiring leader in the business world. Cindy’s expertise in trend retail and licensing, along with her incredible career at Hot Topic, Torrid, and BoxLunch, provided me with invaluable insights and guidance. She taught me the importance of innovation, resilience, and staying true to your vision—qualities that have set me apart in my career.

What sets me apart from others is my ability to merge creativity with strategy, a skill I honed under Cindy’s mentorship. I’ve always been passionate about creating marketing assets that not only look beautiful but also drive results. Today, as a Marketing Manager at Engel & Völkers Atlanta, I’m proud to lead a talented team of women in crafting campaigns that elevate our clients’ brands.

Getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. I faced personal challenges, including navigating the aftermath of my parents’ divorce and coming to terms with past traumas. However, therapy and self-reflection helped me overcome these obstacles, teaching me that growth often comes from the most difficult experiences. These challenges have made me more empathetic, resilient, and driven.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are to always stay curious, embrace change, and never underestimate the power of a strong support system. I want the world to know that my story is one of perseverance and passion. I’m proud of where I’ve come from, and I’m excited about where I’m headed. My brand is built on authenticity, creativity, and the belief that the right blend of strategy and heart can transform any marketing campaign into something truly impactful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d be so excited to show them all the things that make Alpharetta, Atlanta, and St. Simons Island special. We’d start the week off in Alpharetta, where we’d spend Saturday morning at the Alpharetta Farmer’s Market, picking up fresh produce and local goodies. Afterward, we’d head to Storico Fresco for a delicious Italian lunch, followed by a relaxing afternoon of golf at Iron Horse, where my friends, husband, and I love to play. For dinner, we’d keep it local and head to 7 Tequilas, our neighborhood Mexican spot, where I’d introduce them to our favorite waiter, Brandon, and the welcoming host, Dani. It’s a place where the food is great, and the atmosphere is even better.

The next day, we’d dive into exploring more of Alpharetta’s culinary scene. Brunch at The Optimist is a must, followed by a visit to Rumi’s Kitchen for an incredible Persian dinner. If we’re in the mood for something casual, Pure Taqueria is perfect for a lively evening with some tasty margaritas. Of course, we’d also make a stop at Antico for their authentic Neapolitan pizza—it’s a classic that never disappoints.

Mid-week, we’d head down to Atlanta to catch a Braves game. There’s nothing quite like the energy of Truist Park, and we’d definitely stop by the Chophouse to see Russ, the best bartender in the stadium. The excitement of the game, combined with the delicious food and drinks, makes for an unforgettable experience.

Toward the end of the week, we’d take a little road trip down to St. Simons Island, one of my favorite places to unwind. We’d start our days with breakfast at Dulce Dough before heading to the beach to play some beach golf—it’s a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery. We’d spend our afternoons shopping in Pier Village, picking up unique finds, and then enjoying drinks at Barrier Island Brewing. For dinner, we’d hit up some of my favorite spots like Fiddler’s, Delaney’s, and Coastal Kitchen. Each of these restaurants offers a different vibe, but they all serve up amazing food that really captures the essence of the island. We’d also make sure to visit Halyard’s, Ember, and Echo, where the meals are always memorable.

Throughout the week, I’d want to make sure my friend experiences not just the places I love but also the warm, welcoming people who make these spots so special. Whether we’re hanging out at our favorite local haunts or exploring the charm of St. Simons Island, it would be a week filled with great food, beautiful scenery, and even better company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Cindy Levitt has been more than just a mentor to me—she’s been a lifelong family friend who played a pivotal role in shaping my career. I had the distinct honor of working under Cindy during my marketing internship at Hot Topic early on in my career, an experience that not only solidified my passion for marketing but also provided me with an inspiring example of what it means to be a leading woman in business. Cindy’s influence on my career trajectory is immeasurable, as she guided me through the complexities of marketing and licensing with a combination of wisdom, patience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Cindy’s reputation in the retail industry speaks volumes. She’s been widely recognized for her expertise in trend retail and for developing innovative licensing programs that have resonated with the teen and young adult market. Starting her career as a merchant for May Department Stores, Cindy truly made her mark during her 25-year tenure at Hot Topic, where she served as a buyer and later as SVP GMM of Licensing and Marketing. Her strategic vision was instrumental in transforming Hot Topic from a niche retailer into a national chain with over 600 stores. Cindy also played a key role in launching retailers Torrid and BoxLunch, contributing to their growth and success as GMM. Her recent retirement as SVP of Licensing at Mad Engine Global, along with her leadership roles as CEO for Now and Zen and Headline Entertainment, further underscores her legacy as a trailblazer in the industry. Cindy’s career is a testament to her incredible talent, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from one of the best in the business.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessdortch/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessdortch/

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jdortch

Image Credits
Ginger Snyder – Sundry Creative Studios