Women Leading in Tech: Jennifer Whaley
In the lead-up to the Summit for Women in Tech, we're sharing Women Leading in Tech Executive Spotlights across our blog, social media channels, and newsletters. These spotlights are designed to highlight and celebrate the achievements of female tech leaders from our state, providing them with a platform to share their stories and insights. Stay tuned to meet the trailblazers who are shaping the future of technology!
Provide a brief description of your current role:
Proactive and hands-on Channel leader dedicated to achieving goals by improving operational effectiveness, program's the overall experience of our partners' journey. Possess natural relationship-building qualities, adept working across organizational levels, applies a lead by example philosophy and known for a "get it done" attitude. Passion for attention to-detail and has an outstanding ability to pull teams together across functions and globally. Effective problem solver, proven goal-setter who quickly establishes rapport, mentors others, and motivates teams to deliver optimal results for the channel organization.
Who and/or what influenced you most in pursuing a career in technology?:
I was deeply motivated by the desire to learn and the prospect of being at the cutting edge of innovation. Recognizing that this field was predominantly male-dominated, I was eager to step in and demonstrate my skills as a project manager.
If you could describe your greatest professional success/accomplishment in just one sentence, what would you say?:
I would say my great accomplishment was being recognized by CRN one of their 2023 Inclusive Channel Leaders.
If you could switch roles with one other person for a week, who would choose and why?:
I would like to switch roles with a woman that is leading the charge to drive DEI initiatives and to ensure all voices are heard no matter what. That someone would be Lindsay Wrege, the co-founder and CEO of 321 Coffee. What she has accomplished is amazing for so many!!
What are some things that your company or organization is doing to grow and support women in the tech workforce?:
As a board member of Lenovo's largest ERG, WILL (Women in Lenovo Leadership), and chair of Lenovo's Allyship Interest Group, our mission is to raise awareness about the positive impact of allyship on marginalized groups and Lenovo's overall culture. I believe Lenovo is actively encouraging like-minded individuals to naturally promote and embed allyship within our company culture.
NC TECH hosts an annual Summit for Women in Tech gathering women from all parts of the state and in all stages of their careers. How are you involved? What are your favorite aspects of this event? Why is an event like this important for women to attend?:
This will be my second year attending the event, and I’m thrilled to be part of the host committee and serve as a Lean In Circle leader this time around. Last year, I thoroughly enjoyed the networking events, keynote speeches, and panel discussions, which allowed me to connect with many incredible and talented women. The event fosters relationship-building and provides valuable insights on navigating a career as a woman in tech.
What book(s) would you recommend as a must-read and why?:
I have so many I would recommend but my favorite this summer has been, It Ends with Us. It's the perfect summer romance that just leaves you wanting to read each chapter as quickly as you can.
What is your favorite way to spend a day off?:
My favorite day off would be in the mountains, sitting on a deck with a sweatshirt/joggers and sipping my coffee in the morning when all is quiet.
What is your favorite quote?:
"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."- Dolly Parton
Thank you, Jennifer for being on the Host Committee for the Summit for Women in Tech! Learn more about the event here.
Interested in submitting a piece for the NC TECH blog?
NC TECH is always seeking fresh content and we love to feature our members and leaders as well as showcase your expertise and information. Visit our Marketing Toolkit page to submit Member Spotlights, Take 5 Executive Spotlights, Women Leading in Tech Profiles and Guest Blogs.
For more information about sharing your news, contact Mikayla Smith.
