The Importance of Impact: Ensuring that Underrepresented Voices Matter

Last spring, Girls Write Now honored Macmillan CEO Jon Yaged for his continuous commitment to championing unsung voices at the 2024 Radical Gratitude awards.

This spring, he’s returning the favor tenfold. In his own words as a 2024 Radical Gratitude honoree, “The essence of what Girls Write Now means to me is that it continually reminds me and the mentees that their voices matter, their opinions count, and that they’re important.”

Jon’s words remind us that impact is an everyday commitment and that, often the voices that matter most are the ones we haven’t heard before. Over his five year relationship with Girls Write now he has upped ERG engagement, and allocated time and space for employees to engage with the communities that matter most to them. Dubbing April MacImpact month, Jon and the Macmillan team are taking daily action to champion unsung storytellers. As Jon puts it, “MacImpact is about driving meaningful change every day.”

That’s impressive, but knowing the person behind it makes it all the more remarkable. We’re grateful for his advocacy and support. He tells his story best, so…

Tell Us About Your Life@GWN 

My first Girls Write Now event was unforgettable. I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but the energy was incredible from the moment I arrived. The room was packed, the excitement was palpable, and I immediately saw how special this organization was. Girls Write Now reminds young women and gender-expansive creatives—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—that their voices matter, their opinions count, and they are important. Over the years, my admiration for Girls Write Now’s mission has only deepened. It’s an organization that builds confidence, provides opportunities, and offers unwavering support.

What Things Get You Up in the Morning?

At Macmillan, we believe in the power of stories and the importance of ensuring every voice has a platform. Knowing that we can support organizations like Girls Write Now and help create meaningful change in the industry—that’s what motivates me. Seeing young writers gain the confidence to tell their stories, step into leadership roles, and challenge systemic barriers is inspiring and necessary.

What About the Girls Write Now Community Do You Find So Special?

Girls Write Now has built something truly unique. Their approach to mentorship isn’t just about writing—it’s about fostering deep, lasting relationships going beyond career aspirations. You might have a high school student paired with someone in their 80s, forming an incredible bond through storytelling. The organization creates pathways, particularly for those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, to realize their potential.

What’s Your Superpower? How does that inform the work you do with Girls Write Now?

Curiosity. I am genuinely curious and that makes me a lifelong learner. I think the mentors and mentees are curious and learners as well. I’m sure this is part of the reason I feel so connected to the work of GWN and want to help them create success for the girls and women they work with. 

The Theme for This Year’s Anthology is “Hope Lives in Our Words.” What Does Hope Mean for You?

Hope, to me, is about possibility. It’s about giving people the tools and the confidence to see a future where they belong and where their voices are valued. Hope lives in our words because words have the power to inspire, to educate, and to challenge the status quo. 

Macmillan is Holding a Month of Impact in April. How is it celebrated? 

At Macmillan, our MacImpact program is all about inspiring employees to give back to the communities that matter most to them. During April, Macmillan’s Month of Impact, we’re taking this commitment even further by dedicating time and resources to making a tangible difference. This month is an opportunity to reaffirm our support for organizations like Girls Write Now, champion literacy initiatives, fight book bans, and create pathways for diverse voices in publishing. But our dedication doesn’t stop in April—MacImpact is about driving meaningful change every day.

What Book had a Profound Impact on You?

The Muffin Lady by Linda Fisher with Andrew Marton. Linda supported herself and her son by baking muffins based on her mom’s pancake recipe and selling them in Westminster, Maryland out of a red wagon. The health department shut her down and a local fire department let her use their kitchen so she could keep her business going. The story still moves me. It was the first book deal I did as a young lawyer, is a great example of how books can help make a difference in our world, and it has great recipes. 

How Does Publishing Make a Difference in the World?

Publishing shapes the way people see and understand the world. Books spark conversations, challenge perspectives, and build empathy. That’s why I’m so passionate about fighting book bans—because restricting access to stories limits knowledge and understanding. Making books available to everyone, especially young readers, is essential for a healthy, informed society.

What MacImpact Project(s) Excite You?

One of the things I’m most excited about is how we’re strengthening our relationship with Girls Write Now. We’re always exploring new ways to make the mentorship programs more meaningful, whether through Careers Chats our employees participate in during the Month of Impact, internship opportunities, workshops, or direct connections to industry professionals. I want to see these talented young writers become the future of publishing, whether as authors, editors, or leaders in the field.

Any Words of Wisdom for Someone Looking to Enter Publishing? 

Stay curious, stay persistent, and don’t be afraid to carve out your own path. Publishing is changing, and there’s room for fresh perspectives and new voices. If you’re passionate about books, storytelling, and the power of words, there’s a place for you here. Seek out mentors, learn all you can about all the different aspects of the publishing business, take advantage of programs like Girls Write Now, and know that your voice matters.

What’s the Best Career Decision You’ve Ever Made? 

Fearlessly following my dreams. Maybe not always fearlessly, but sticking with my dreams even when it meant working part-time jobs to make ends meet, taking a new job with a lower salary, and trying things out of my comfort zone.

What was the Best Advice You Ever Received? Have you been able to pass it on?  

Take a breath. I tell this to people all the time. Giving things a minute (or more) before responding almost always helps and never hurts. 

What Do Friends Know about You That Would Surprise Your Colleagues?

I used to sing and play guitar in a rock band.

Which Family Member(s) Had the Greatest Impact on You?

My parents. They encouraged me to be a free thinker even when they didn’t agree with me. That set an example that I try to follow in my professional and personal life. They also made it clear that they love me unconditionally. I didn’t understand how empowering and confidence-building that is until well into adulthood.  

When You Were a Kid, What Did you Want to be When You Grew Up?

Quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys.