Jes Gordon Makes A DIFFArence While Having ‘properFUN’
Energetic, passionate and creative—Jes Gordon of jesGORDON/properFun is a key contributor within DIFFA’s network of designers making a difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For more than 12 years, Gordon has volunteered and designed unique experiences for DIFFA’s signature events including mentoring student design teams at DINING BY DESIGN and creating unique baskets at Picnic By Design. Her namesake company provides high end, personal event design, and management and has been recognized by BizBash as one of the top event design companies in the country.
Jes Gordon X JCPenney
A lively city girl from Queens, Gordon was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. Her ambition, creativity and innate eye for color led her to start a blooming floral business during her junior year at Bard College. Using her experience in design and event management, Jes started properFUN and was enlisted by JCPenney to design their DINING BY Design table installation in 2006.
“I was introduced to DIFFA while doing a table for JCPenney and I was immediately hooked! This was one of the most unique events that I have seen and I loved how it encouraged rather conservative companies to expand their boundaries and create something cool,” Gordon exclaimed. “Participating in DIFFA events allows me to be creatively free and infuse my personality into my designs.”
After the initial introduction, Jes continued to be involved with DIFFA through a multitude of projects and events. Gordon mentored student teams from local New York City design schools as they worked on their DINING BY DESIGN table installation. “As a designer with 30+ years’ experience, this was a great opportunity to work and mentor emerging creatives. It was great to learn how young people are using technology and digital design to further their projects while imparting my knowledge,’ Gordon said.
Jes Gordon’s 2018 “Vintage Broadway” Basket
An avid DIFFA supporter and philanthropist at heart, Jes contributes growing up during the HIV epidemic to her continued involvement in raising funds to support DIFFA’s work. “I grew up during a time where so many talented people around me were affected by the AIDS virus. I appreciate the way DIFFA uses creativity to combat something so ugly and systematic,” Gordon said.
Jes encourages other designers to get involved in raising awareness about HIV, which has affected millions of people over the past three decades. As an influencer in the space, Jes often donates proceeds from her events to further causes she cares about. “Designers have a unique opportunity to visually continue to bring up the effects of HIV and illustrate it through the five senses,” Jes said.
For more information about how to get involved with DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS visit www.diffa.org. To learn about Jes Gordon and properFUN visit www.jesgordon.com/ and follow her on Instagram at @jesgordon for updates.