Name and how long you have been in the industry.
Jennifer Chester, I’ve been a part of the industry since 2011, so 13yrs.
How What is your biggest accomplishment and/or proudest moment of your career?
This is a tough question because I’ve faced many challenges throughout my career. However, my biggest accomplishments stem from achieving personal goals that have significantly impacted my professional growth. These goals include advocating for myself, staying true to my authentic self even when it was difficult or felt risky, and not letting fear become an excuse for inaction. These smaller, personal milestones have paved the way for larger achievements, such as speaking at MDExpo, writing a children’s book, and being nominated for the TechNation Influencer of the Year. Ultimately, my proudest accomplishment is presenting the most genuine version of myself and being met with immense encouragement and support from an industry I deeply respect and love.
What does this TechNation Award nomination mean to you?
This TechNation Award nomination means a great deal to me, especially considering my journey within this industry. For a long time, I was the type of employee who clocked in, did the job, and clocked out without much involvement beyond that. In 2020, I set a goal to invest more in myself professionally and contribute meaningfully to the HTM industry as a whole. I committed to making a significant impact in this field, aligning with my motto, “aspire to inspire before I expire,” which had previously lacked clear direction. The kindness and acceptance I received after fully committing to the industry were overwhelming and being recognized for a goal, I once feared pursuing, feels surreal and deeply rewarding.
What can we do as women in HTM to help inspire others in the industry?
1. “Throw the box away.” We don’t need to try to fit into any preconceived mold. Bring your full self to the table—your talents, ideas, experiences, and differences. The more we do this, the more we expand the perception of what women can bring to the field.
2. “Speak up and speak out. Advocate for yourself.” When we speak up for ourselves, we make it even easier for the women who come after us. By advocating for ourselves, we set a powerful precedent that breaks down barriers and clears the path for the strong, talented women following in our footsteps. Think of crows: they are one of the few animals known to hold funerals. These funerals serve to inform the rest of the flock about the dangers that caused one of their own to perish, so future generations are wiser and better equipped to face challenges. We, as women, should adopt the same mindset. By speaking up for ourselves and sharing our experiences and the lessons we’ve learned, we empower those who come after us to navigate obstacles with grace and, we provide them with a collective legacy of strength and progress.
3. “Send the elevator back down.” As Robin Williams once said, “Send the elevator back down.” When you achieve new heights in this incredible industry, don’t forget to those who are looking up to you. Help others by creating opportunities and lifting them up as well.