Jordan Watson

My name is Jordan Watson, and I am a professional writer and editor who loves to stay on the move. What most drew me to working with the written word is its ability to foster community and offer insight to different experiences and perspectives. Outside of my professional work, I’ve been on the board of a nonprofit organization, enjoy volunteering in the community, and work with an urban rappelling company that fundraises for nonprofits across the United States and Canada. I’m grateful to have found home in Summerlin, where there’s a strong community, extensive outdoor recreation, and plenty of great local food and drinks. I look forward to many more years enjoying all Summerlin has to offer.

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I live here in Summerlin with my incredible partner and our beloved border collie, Beauregard. I am a professional editor and writer, and Austin is a realtor; when we’re not working, we’re taking every opportunity to travel, camp, hike, rock climb, or otherwise enjoy all that life and Las Vegas have to offer.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career in the editing and writing industry began 15 years ago when I took a role as a tutor in a college writing center. Since then, I have managed a library; written pieces that have been published in books, magazines, and online; and edited nearly every form of text that exists. I am currently the Senior (and sole) Technical Editor for a medical technology reporting company, where I was recently awarded for my commitment to my work and the quality of its service to our customers. Beyond my passion for my work, the best part of my career is that the majority of it has been remote, which has allowed me fantastic flexibility to fully engage in life. For instance, from 2015 to 2017, I served as a full-time digital curriculum editor as I simultaneously completed my Master’s degree while traveling on three continents and during multiple crosscountry roadtrips across the United States.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
It’s wonderful that there’s a little bit of everything in Summerlin and that many locations are walkable. A few locations that I particularly enjoy frequenting are Burgundy Bakery (the best macarons I’ve had outside of Paris!), Siena Italian, Vintner Grill, and Beer Zombies.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved from WA to Summerlin in 2019 and have loved every day of living here. The move from the Pacific Northwest to the Vegas desert is a drastic one, which is part of why the change has been so incredible. My work is entirely remote, which makes it even easier to enjoy the area, whether I’m on the clock or off.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here in our community?
A while back, I ran into local celebrity Carrot Top and we shared a whiskey together. It was a great experience to meet someone whom I’ve seen in the media since childhood, but beyond that, learning that Scott is an incredibly kind and personable individual who gives a great deal to his community and worthwhile causes made the interaction all the more impactful.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
My sights are currently set on Croatia. There’s rich local culture, beautiful hiking and landscapes, and seaside rock climbing … who could ask for anything more!

Q: What advice would you give to people?
You only have one life. While responsibilities face us all, they should not serve as an excuse to withhold from engage with others, get outside, experience new places and things, or take a second serving.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My goal is to visit all seven continents … and I only have Antarctica to go!

Q: What is your favorite quote or saying?
“As women achieve power, the barriers will fall. As society sees what women can do, as women can see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Q: What current (or former) local business are you a frequent visitor of in our community?
I regularly visit Vesta to enjoy some freshly roasted coffee and get some work done, and I love getting fresh produce and other goods from our amazing Summerlin farmer’s markets whenever I can.

Q: If you could choose anyone living today (or has passed) and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
In this phase of my life, I would love to spend time with the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten. There is much to learn from and be inspired by her ability to balance intelligence, passion, and living … and a little bit of cheekiness. I would love for this lunch to be hosted by the North Italia kitchen, but in this case, I’d be grateful for the two of us to be able to take the time to prepare a meal for ourselves so I could pick up more than a few tips and tricks.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Red Rock Canyon! There’s nothing like having world-class rock climbing and endless adventures right outside your door.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I aim to use my varied experience as a writer, editor, and traveler to begin working as an article writer for travel- and outdoor recreation-focused publications so I can combine and best serve all of my passions.

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
Via an excellent education program in Washington state, I was able to take a full schedule of college courses in high school, leading me to graduate college for the first time at 16 years old—two years before I graduated high school.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
I’ve been to Iceland both in the early fall and winter, and each experience was completely unique but equally as beautiful. Anyone who can make the opportunity for themselves to visit the island and travel extensively and responsibly absolutely should.

Q: What local charity/non-profit organization is most near and dear to your heart?
The Southern Nevada Climber’s Coalition is a community of local climbers who advocate for our natural resources, teach wilderness recreation ethics, and bring the outdoor community together. I’m grateful to be a member of the SNCC as a way to help give back to the lands and community that have given me so much.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
This neighborhood is incredibly diverse community oriented – from the wonderful parks and walking trails to the small businesses to the farmer’s markets and community events – that will always be a 10 out of 10 characteristic of Summerlin to me.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My partner is always so supportive of me in all of my highs and lows. That constant support serves as the foundation for my ability to give energy to myself and others, to pursue my goals, and to remember to appreciate life in all of its intricacies.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Community, engagement, opportunity

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