Merlee Jayme has opened a new creative agency, Jayme HQ, in the Philippines, built on the premise that “great minds think unalike”, and that the more diverse the thinking, the more amazing the ideas, the agency values neurodiversity and actively seeks and develops talent from underrepresented communities.

Its founder is one of APAC’s great creative leaders, former CCO for Dentsu Asia Pacific, founder of DM9 JaymeSyfu, the agency that won the first and only Cannes Lions Grand Prix for the Philippines and founder of The Misfits Camp, a training centre for neurodivergent and deaf creatives, for which she was named 2024 Campaign Diversity and Inclusion Champion at the Campaign Asia Women Leading Change Awards

Sam Alapan, a professor at The Mint College, will take up the Head of The Misfits Camp role, continuing its mission to empower and train neurodiverse creatives. Its partnership with Headquarters will ensure that individuals who have traditionally faced barriers to entry in the creative field have access to opportunities to showcase their skills and contribute to innovative work in an actual creative workplace.

Edg Samson, a strategic client lead with a distinguished career at Dentsu and Saatchi; Nikki Golez, an award-winning creative director recognized as one of the 4As 2024 Next Gen Creative winners; JR Ignacio, a digital and innovation expert with a proven track record at Dentsu and BBDO Singapore, Kheng Masangkay, an experienced finance manager and Alex Cataluña, an up-and-coming young art director, are joining Jayme as Headquarters’ co-founders. The founders all have family experiences with neurodiversity.

Jayme HQ has already made significant strides by welcoming its first neurodiverse concept team, composed of Cesca Atienza and Kylie Milanes, both graduates of The Misfits Camp. Cesca, a talented graphic artist with autism, made a speech at this year’s Spikes Asia, and Kylie, a gifted poet of the best-selling book “Echoes,” brings unique perspectives and creative flair to the agency. The Misfits Camp has also transitioned one of its graduates, Igi Rollan, to an administrative assistant and social media manager position.

Chief Client Officer of Jayme HQ, Edg Samson, stated, “JHQ and TMC is a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that champions and showcases global standards of creativity, and diversity in thinking that in turn, fuel creative opportunities for the neurodivergent. It is an intimate set-up that allows for hands-on expertise minus the red tape.”