40 Under 40 2025: Joyce Marcel Nievera, Intersections Communications

Joyce Marcel Nievera

Associate digital director
Intersections Communications Inc
Philippines

Joyce Nievera’s career reflects both her pioneering spirit and her ability to turn ambition into tangible results. Starting her journey at Voyager Innovations, parent company of the Maya e-wallet, she helped build the Philippines’ largest digital marketplace—a launchpad that set the tone for her future work. Transitioning to GroupM—Maxus and later Wavemaker—she honed her skills in digital advertising, managing high-profile accounts and contributing to significant revenue growth. Her move to Starcom proved equally defining: faced with a client crisis, she steered relationships back on course and put bold strategic initiatives in place.

That combination of resilience and vision came to the fore when Nievera became the first employee of integrated media agency Intersections Communications. Tasked with building its digital foundation from the ground up, she guided the agency through the pandemic while delivering standout campaigns. Under her watch, digital performance grew to account for 85% of the agency’s media revenue in 2024, driving a 274% surge in overall profit. Big wins followed, including Netflix and EastWest Bank, alongside the expansion of services into talent management, content and events.

Nievera is a champion of diversity and inclusion and has implemented policies that ensure a respectful and equitable workplace. Responsible for driving representation within the agency, with a quarter of employees identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Her advocacy also reaches into the wider community, where she supports initiatives for underserved groups.

Her contributions to the industry are significant, having played a pivotal role in the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA) and the Media Specialist Association of the Philippines (MSAP). Nievera’s efforts have led to educational projects and the revival of the MSAP Media Congress, fostering responsible advertising and industry collaboration.

What sets Nievera apart is the clarity with which she blends innovation, empathy and purpose. She uplifts colleagues, earns client trust and ensures that growth is not only achieved but shared.