How Identity Has Influenced a Partnership Manager's Career at Island Press
Jen's career as a Partnership Manager involves bridging the gap between individuals with "hard skills" and a wider audience, often requiring interpretation and communication support for predominantly older white male leaders in environmental organizations. This role leverages their skills in "soft communications and networking," highlighting how their identity as a woman has shaped their approach to facilitating these crucial collaborations.
Communication, Networking, Intermediary Role, Overcoming Challenges, Women in Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jen Hawse
Partnership Manager
Island Press
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
N/A
Anthropology, Sociology
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Jen leverages strong communication skills to bridge the gap between experts (often older white men) and wider audiences.
2. She uses her identity as a woman to excel in relationship building and networking within her field.
3. She highlights the ongoing shift in the environmental sector towards greater diversity and inclusion, acknowledging past dominance by older white men but also the progress toward a more representative leadership landscape.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted the way you've navigated your career?
Much of my work involves helping individuals with hard skills communicate those skills to a general audience. As someone with softer skills, I often act as an interpreter.
I frequently collaborate with older white men, who historically have been authors and leaders in environmental organizations. While this demographic is shifting, I often find myself acting as an intermediary.
My role is to handle the nitty-gritty details and communications while they focus on their important work. I manage the soft skills, communications, and networking aspects.
This has led me to leverage my "woman identity" as a woman in my professional life to foster better communication in these kinds of conversations.