Jeanette joins the ICA on a part‑time basis as the Event Manager, pairing her longstanding passion for the domain industry with her extensive experience in event planning. She has worked in the domain industry since 2009 and has been dedicated to her primary and ongoing role as Master Ninja at Name Ninja since 2013
Company: Name Ninja & ICA
Favorite Domain: That’s a tough one — choosing a favourite domain feels a lot like picking a favourite child. I just can’t…
Favorite Industry Conference: ICA Vegas! ICA NYC looked amazing!
What is your current role and what are you (or your company) currently working on?
My primary role is Master Ninja at Name Ninja. We’re a boutique domain name acquisition firm that help global entrepreneurs, startups, and marketers acquire their dream domain names. I also serve as the Events Manager for the ICA, and we’re currently deep into planning for ICA Vegas 2027.
Tell us a little bit about your background and your personal story.
I began my domain industry journey in 2009 at Hover (Tucows), where I built a strong foundation as a technical customer service representative. In 2013, I joined Name Ninja and have been fortunate to grow with the team ever since. I’m experienced in both the technical side of domain management and the brokerage side of the industry. Earlier this year, in March 2026, I joined the ICA in a part‑time role as Events Manager — a position (and team) that I’m loving. Before entering the domain world, I worked in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, experience that now pairs perfectly with my event‑focused responsibilities at the ICA.
How did you get involved in the domain industry?
To be honest, I only discovered the domain industry because my husband worked in IT. When we met back in 2008, I knew absolutely nothing about it — I didn’t know the difference between a registry and a registrar, or whether a domain was the same thing as a donair (spoiler: it’s not, and donairs are delicious… look them up).
I started digging into the basics so we could have conversations about the “techie” things he loved. It was a completely new world for me, and I’ve always enjoyed a good challenge, so I kept learning. Eventually, I applied to Hover (Tucows), where I was trained on the job. That’s where my passion for domains truly began — and it’s been growing ever since.
What have been some key milestones in your career in the domain industry?
I think my biggest milestone was taking a leap of faith. After nearly a decade in another industry, I decided to jump into a completely new career path — eyes wide open, eager to learn, and determined to succeed. Trusting myself enough to make that change was a milestone all on its own.
Another major milestone was joining Name Ninja. Ready for a Ninja secret? I joined Name Ninja in its infancy by reaching out to Bill Sweetman on LinkedIn. Bill and I had worked together on a few projects during our Tucows days, and I always loved collaborating with him. While I was on maternity leave, I saw that he had launched Name Ninja, so I messaged him to congratulate him and let him know I’d love to help however I could. And the rest is history — I’ve been happily “married” to Name Ninja since 2013.
And last, but absolutely not least, is the ICA. I attended my very first ICA conference — ICA Vegas 2026 — earlier this year, and I loved every minute of it. It felt completely different from other industry events. Honestly, I was star‑struck. I was surrounded by the best of the best — the cream of the crop of the domain world. People I’d heard of but never met. People I could learn from. People who are respected, ethical, influential… and hilarious. Todd, I’m looking at you. :+)
I knew right then that I wanted to give back and get involved with the ICA in any way I could, because the ICA has given so much to all of us.
Why did you choose to support the ICA?
I kind of answered this above (oops!), but the short version is: I chose to support the ICA because it’s a place where people genuinely care. It’s a community that learns together, grows together, and advocates for the industry in a way that feels both meaningful and inspiring. It really does feel like a family — one that respects each other, rallies behind the positives, and works hard to protect what matters.
And honestly? Being around this level of Domain Royalty is surreal. The legal side of the industry fascinates me, and I’m always eager to learn more. I still remember meeting Karen Bernstein years ago — I was trembling. Fast‑forward to this past year when I met Zak Muscovitch in person, and again… star‑struck. Karen and Zak are people I admire deeply, and finally meeting them felt like a full‑circle moment.
What they — and so many others — do for the ICA and for the domain industry as a whole would make anyone want to step up, get involved, and give back. And that’s exactly why I did.
If you could change one thing about the domain industry what would it be?
That’s a tough one. I think every industry has room to grow, and ours is no different. But one of the most positive changes I’ve seen since I joined the domain world is the increase in women entering the space. I remember attending past “Women in Domaining” events (thank you, Susan Lawrence!) where there were maybe 12 or 15 of us… total.
Now, more women are joining, being heard, and bringing their voices — and that’s incredibly exciting. We have amazing women like Tessa Holcomb, Tracy Fogarty, Amanda Waltz, Andee Hill, and so many others who paved the way and opened doors for future generations. Their leadership, visibility, and advocacy have made the industry more welcoming, more diverse, and honestly, more fun. I’d love to keep that momentum going — more women, more representation, more voices, more seats at the table. The industry is better for it. SPOILER: Keep an eye on this years ICA Vegas 2027 agenda — more to come on this topic…
What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the ICA?
Come to the dark side… we have cookies! :+)
In all seriousness, I’d tell them to invest in themselves, their company, their employees, and their future. Joining the ICA means becoming part of an elite membership of like‑minded professionals who genuinely care about the industry and each other. We learn from one another, grow together, and amplify our collective voice — because the more voices we have, the stronger we are.
It’s a diverse, welcoming organization that wants to hear from everyone. The future of domains is in our hands, and the ICA gives you a place to stand up, speak up, and be part of shaping what comes next.
Stand up. Speak up. Join.
What are your main interests outside of the domain industry?
I love to travel. Being from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada has its perks — it’s stunning, the people are incredible, and the culture is one‑of‑a‑kind. But the weather and wind… oh jeepers. We get about two weeks of “Summer,” and then it’s Fall (for a month) and then Winter for the other ten months. ;+)
So traveling somewhere warm — where a tan comes from the sun and not the wind — feels absolutely magical.
Five fun facts about me:
1) I’m a twin! I have a fraternal twin sister — don’t worry, there aren’t two of me running around. :+)
2) I once worked in the Arctic. Many years ago, I spent six months up north as a travel agent. Seeing polar bears wander the streets wasn’t unusual… and yes, it was as incredible as it sounds.
3) I’m a passionate advocate for Autism and Neurodiversity. My amazing son is Autistic and Neurodivergent, and he’s the reason I work hard every single day. Supporting and championing Neurodivergent and Neurotypical individuals is a huge part of who I am.
4) I LOVE karaoke — but I absolutely cannot sing. I’m there strictly to make people laugh and help everyone feel better about their voices.
5) I’m obsessed with music trivia. If there’s a music quiz, I’m already grabbing the buzzer.