Jennifer Ward

What was your first job, and what did it teach you?

I worked for a marketing company that had me selling knives in a pyramid scheme! It taught me to ask more questions and employ a healthy skepticism as opportunities arise.

What have you learned to do differently as you’ve moved into more senior roles?

In my earlier career days, I was non-confrontational. I didn’t want to be uncomfortable. Thankfully, I’ve had transformational mentorship. I was taught how to be confrontational in a productive and positive way. I was on the receiving end of great feedback, and it gave me a blueprint for what that could look like with others.

Who is someone who’s had a big influence on your career? Why?

Susie Wu hired me at Rainier Scholars in 2003. The best advice she gave me started with an observation. She said, while we want you to stay here forever, are you defaulting here or choosing to be here? She encouraged me to see what else was out there, to know my market value.  Leaving for another opportunity grew my skills exponentially. I would not have been as prepared as I am now, back at Rainier Scholars, without that interim move.

What strategies do you employ to manage through difficulty?

I am highly collaborative, and I use my people resources. I always know there are other people out there who have either been through something similar or who know me and can encourage me. Writing is also highly effective for me. If I can get it on paper, I can usually sort out whatever the thing is quickly. Getting to the root of an issue is very important. What problem are we solving for? It’s very important to identify that first.

When did you start thinking about using your skills to effect social change?

My career choice stems from my personal experience. I had a college counselor who counseled me out of college prep classes even though I advocated for myself to be on a college track. Fast forward to me seeing all these kids waving their college acceptance letters around. I got myself to community college and then transferred to the University of Washington. There, I saw people with study skills and critical thinking skills I never had access to. I was just infuriated by my high school experience and wanted to make sure no other kid had that experience.

What’s a good outcome for you, professionally, in the year ahead?

I am in my leveling-up season. I’ve started a Harvard Business School class on organizational leadership. I’m getting executive coaching in the fall. I have run away from the ED role for years. I want to make sure I serve kids to the best of my ability. Part of that formula is investing in continuous improvement. Targeting my skills toward the business side of nonprofit leadership is where I’m focused right now.

Finish this sentence: People would be surprised that I…

…am a world traveler, and I love to travel solo, including internationally.