This article is part of our series "Conversations with Creatives," where we connect with the talented individuals of Wayfair’s creative teams to hear their insights and share their perspectives on their roles, their experiences, and what makes Wayfair a destination for creatives of every kind.

There is no ignoring the fact that 2021 proved to yet again be a year full of challenges and uncertainty for us all, including for the communities where we live, work, and play who continue to feel the many impacts of this global disruption. This is no different for the neighborhood around our own Boston headquarters – affectionately known as our “Wayborhood’ – which has felt the absence of business from office workers, many of whom have been working remotely throughout the pandemic.

Jennifer Phillips and Kristin Filippelli never considered themselves “runners,” but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and gyms closed, they both were in search of ways to keep themselves going. Both are colleagues on the Partner Operations team at Wayfair who partner with Wayfair’s suppliers to provide consumers with the products they love through an exceptional customer experience. When they each found out that they were training for the 2021 Boston Marathon, they joined forces to mobilize their team and amplify their impact.

With our global headquarters located in Boston’s Back Bay, we are constantly inspired and energized by the outstanding academic and entrepreneurial work being done all around us. Boston is steeped in history and education — some of its oldest institutions are its world-class universities. By comparison Wayfair is a relative newcomer, yet much like our neighbors in the academic world we’ve shared a love for experimentation and learning since the start.

November is Native American Heritage Month in the United States, an opportunity to celebrate the richness of Native and Indigenous history, culture, and traditions. WayNative, Wayfair’s North American Native and Indigenous Employee Resource Group (ERG), focuses on creating an inclusive environment that supports indigenous populations and offers a space for conversation within the community.