Representation in leadership is more than a goal—it’s a necessity. It shapes organizational culture, fosters inclusion, and provides inspiration to those who dream of breaking barriers. For me, this journey is deeply personal.
Growing up in a small town, I was fascinated by numbers, science, and understanding how things worked. Despite the limited resources available to support advancement in STEM fields, I developed a passion for these areas early on, fueled by curiosity and a drive to learn.
The foundation of hard work
My parents, though brilliant, grew up in households with 13 and 7 siblings during the 1950s and 60s, where college wasn’t an option. They channeled their knowledge and work ethic into entrepreneurship, instilling in my siblings and me the value of hard work and education. My mother, a cosmetologist and first-shift plant worker, and my father, a barber, worked tirelessly to give us opportunities they never had. With my parents’ sacrifices and encouragement, I pursued my passion in math and science, which ultimately led me to Electrical Engineering—a field where I quickly realized there were very few women, let alone minority women, represented.
During my sophomore year of college, my mother was diagnosed with cancer. Despite our hope, she passed away just two months before my graduation. Her loss was devastating, but her unwavering belief in my potential gave me the strength to push forward. Just two weeks after her passing, I had my first on-campus interview with Schneider Electric (SE). It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but knowing how much she believed in me gave me the drive to succeed. That determination paid off, as SE offered me my first real career opportunity, setting the stage for a brighter future.
Creating my own path at Schneider Electric
Starting as an Application Engineer at SE, I quickly noticed the same lack of representation I had experienced in college. Minority female engineers and leaders were rare. My parents had instilled in me a resilience and determination to break through these barriers. There was no roadmap, so I created my own. I knew I wanted to be in leadership, so I took additional leadership courses, sought out mentors throughout the company, and pursued an advanced degree in Business with a concentration in Project Management, along with earning my PMP Certification.
After years of focus, lateral moves, and persistence, I achieved my first leadership role in Digital Services. There, I had the opportunity to manage and staff SE’s first Asset Tagging project, successfully completing the $2 million project in six months across multiple sites. While building this team, I focused on diversity and inclusion, ensuring the team was representative of different backgrounds and perspectives. This pivotal moment demonstrated the power of preparation, hard work, and mentorship in achieving ambitious goals.
Empowering connections: My journey with SWE and the BPERN
As I advanced in my career, I recognized the critical need for strong support networks for women in STEM, which led me to become involved with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). This non-profit organization is dedicated to empowering women to reach their full potential as engineers and leaders.
Through SWE, I have had the opportunity to connect with other women engineers, share experiences, and mentor young professionals entering the field. I have been involved with SWE externally for about three years, and I recently joined the internal Schneider SWE community this year. Going to my first conference and seeing all of the young, eager minds ready to join a company like SE further inspires me to continue my journey of mentorship and my commitment to supporting the next generation of women in engineering.
In addition to my involvement with SWE, I have been engaged with the Virtual Chapter of the Black Professionals Employee Resource Network (BPERN), which has allowed me to connect with other Black professionals across Schneider Electric. As a remote worker for the past six years, BPERN has helped me stay connected to the needs of my community within SE, enabling me to mentor and inspire mentees to pursue leadership roles and realize their career aspirations. This community has been invaluable in providing mentorship, support, and a space to discuss challenges and opportunities unique to Black employees in a global corporate setting. Through BPERN, I’ve been able to mentor younger professionals, provide guidance, and advocate for the next generation of Black leaders in STEM.
Empowering diversity through Employee Resource Networks
Both SWE and BPERN exemplify Schneider Electric’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace through its Employee Resource Networks (ERNs), which are employee-led groups that offer networking, professional development, and support for individuals with shared interests and backgrounds. My journeys with these organizations have not only enriched my professional growth but also reinforced my dedication to empowering others within our community.
Building diverse teams
I’m grateful to work in a company that exemplifies diversity and promotes an inclusive culture; one where new recruits and candidates can look at our leadership team and see reflections of themselves.
Now in my second leadership role as the U.S Services Project Execution Manager for C&SP, I have my first opportunity to fully build out a team based on my vision and strategy, and I couldn’t be more excited. This role allows me to channel my passion for mentoring others, helping them navigate challenges, and showing them how to carve their own paths. Over the years, I’ve had young women I’ve mentored personally thank me for supporting them on their journey and giving them a space to discuss and craft what their paths to leadership could look like. Their appreciation makes the hills I’ve tackled worthwhile, as it affirms that carving a straighter path for them is meaningful and impactful. My journey from a small-town girl to a leader in a global company is proof that representation matters, and that success is attainable for anyone willing to put in the work.
Looking ahead: Shaping future leaders
For me, achieving a leadership role is my ultimate tribute to my mother. It’s my way of saying, “Mom, I made it.” And as long as I’m here, I will continue to grow, learn, and mentor others, paving the way for the next generation of leaders.
Having three kids now, two of whom are girls—including one heading to college in two years—I’ve been especially mindful of how representation shapes aspirations. I have inspired my daughter to take on a role in STEM, with her goal of becoming a neuroscientist. I am training her to lead in sports, school, and ultimately to help other young women as she develops into her career and, one day, raises her own family. It’s about continually passing the torch and ensuring that future generations have an even stronger foundation to build upon.
Representation in leadership is crucial because it fosters an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives can thrive. I am proud to leverage my leadership role to inspire and empower others by sharing my journey and paving the way for future generations of diverse leaders. I hope to see a future where representation continues to grow—where more young professionals can look up and see leaders who reflect their experiences, backgrounds, and aspirations.
Thank you to Schneider Electric’s leadership for always making me feel included and represented. Your commitment to diversity makes stories like mine possible. My journey is just getting started!
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About the author
Jennifer Johnson, US Services Project Execution Manager – C&SP
Jennifer Johnson (JJ) is the Project Execution Manager for U.S. Services, supporting the Cloud & Service Provider (C&SP) segment. With nearly two decades of experience across multiple Business Units at Schneider Electric, she has a proven track record in driving efficiency and scalability within diverse teams. Her background in electrical engineering, complemented by an MBA in project management, enables her to unify processes, build high-performing teams, and implement innovative solutions that align with organizational goals.
JJ is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and the Virtual Chapter of the Black Professional Employee Resource Network (BPERN). She is grateful to work in a company that exemplifies diversity and promotes an inclusive culture where new recruits and candidates can look at our leadership team and see reflections of themselves. Her passion for empowering others and fostering collaboration drives her commitment to delivering sustainable results that create a lasting impact.
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