At Helen & Gertrude, employee culture is more than impressive for the industry. As a women-owned business, inclusion and belonging are top of mind. Employees are given family leave benefits that match their salary for up to 10 weeks of paid leave, have unlimited PTO and can choose to start work earlier and leave earlier. 

Every worker is encouraged to learn from and bond with colleagues. It all supports one simple mantra: “Bring your whole self to work.”

The Rochester, New York-based agency also supports a number of local organizations by offering its services pro bono and seeking out local women and minority-owned businesses that need help with sourcing models and props for events or photo shoots. 

—Ilyse Liffreing