Our previous executive director Jen Amos has moved on, but you can check out her podcasts The Filipino American Woman Project and Holding Down the Fort. We’re grateful for her hard work and contributions.
The first time I was hired to be an executive director for a nonprofit organization, I knew full well that I was joining an established team in which I’d be the only brown girl. I was selected to fill in the shoes of a woman who held my new role for over 30 years.
Within a matter of months, I was fired.
Nearly 10 years later, I hope to redeem myself as the new executive director of The State of Women. Only this time, I’m part of a team that values, celebrates, and welcomes brown girls like me.
My first exposure to The State of Women was an interesting one. If you participated in the first Amplifying Her Voice International Women’s Day Summit in March 2021, you’ll know that the word “interesting” is a bit generous. Though I was excited to receive my speaking invitation, I quickly picked up on the fast-paced, scrambling, start-up vibes to get this summit organized. I felt like I was receiving all of the email updates days before my speaking engagement (in which I turned out to be a panelist), yet still couldn’t fully grasp what I was supposed to do or talk about. Later, I learned what felt like last-minute organizing of an event didn’t sit well with everyone. I admit even I felt that way. But overall, the speed with which this was all coming together intrigued me.
Spontaneity, pivoting, adapting, and improvising are normal parts of my lifestyle as an entrepreneur, podcaster, and former military child. Also, being raised by a widowed mother and having benefited from many female friendships and friends who are mothers (or how I affectionately describe as “mom friends”), I was able to look past my first impression of Amplifying Her Voice to show up for my panel. Though I can’t honestly say that the aftertaste of speaking was satisfying, it’s the ongoing impression and admiration of The State of Women team behind Amplifying Her Voice and the community it attracts that I continue to give grace, show up, and even moderate panels for the two summits that followed after.
I believe it is a rarity and a privilege to be among individuals who have the capacity to live as their authentic selves (flaws and all) while ensuring that everyone they encounter is truly heard, seen, understood, empowered—and amplified. Who are these individuals? These are the types of women, girls, persons assigned female at birth, and allies that The State of Women attracts, highlights, and inspires. Since the first Amplifying Her Voice summit, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in and witnessing our budding community’s hustle.
At Podcast Movement 2021, The State of Women and SHEQONOMI Founder Anu Bhardwaj brought it to my attention that Lily Allen-Duenas was ready to move on from the executive director position. After much discussion with the executive team, board of directors, and the advisory council, it was a no-brainer for me to build upon and expand the solid foundation Lily has wonderfully laid out before me. I officially signed on as the new executive director September 8, 2021.
I’m grateful for the team’s grace and patience as I’ve methodically settled into my new role before sharing our announcement today. After much deep thought, here’s how I hope to play my part to embody the collaborative, generous and ambitious spirit of The State of Women.
Having conducted 500+ podcast interviews, participated as a contestant on a reality podcast show, and become an award-winning podcaster since summer 2019, I hope to apply my knowledge and experience in the podcast industry to serve our community. In my work experience of amplifying the voices and stories of American military families, hyphenated Americans, and entrepreneurs; one thing is universally true: It’s a euphoric, empowering experience to feel seen and needed—and to know, wholeheartedly, that we are not alone.
Of all of the opportunities I’ve lost during the start of the pandemic, podcasting happened to slip through the cracks. Podcasting has become my tried-and-true method to foster connection, community, and collaboration by finding common ground through candid conversations and a verbal exchange of personal narratives. I’ve taken a lot of pride in my active listening skills, candidness, and ability to uncover powerful stories and universal lessons while conversing with my guests. Overall, I hope that who I currently am on my journey as a podcaster will encourage our community to come as you are. You are enough and you are needed here. We welcome your voice and we welcome it frequently.
Remember my last executive director role that I was fired from? Well, fun fact: That was the fourth job I was fired from in my young 20s. I still recall the day that I was fired. A good friend of mine shared with me, “I don’t think you’re meant to be an employee.”
For a decade since, I’ve worked really hard to be my own boss and accumulate sales experience in the legal industry, online marketing, and now financial services. Having firsthand experience venturing the path less taken, despite having an immigrant mother who would’ve preferred that I get myself a “permanent job,” I understand the unique benefits of being a woman-of-color entrepreneur. Also, in working with our American military spouses and families, I’ve developed a special interest in acknowledging women in finance and advocating for homemakers and underestimated breadwinners to contribute in making confident and informed financial decisions for their families. I’m excited to see how my background, past failures, and current ambitions will manifest into my contributions as your new executive director.
For podcasters, women entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and changemakers that value the sheer power in showing up, building as we go, and failing forward, I want to let you know that I see you, I welcome you, and I’m excited to work with you.
Whether you are new or seasoned in exercising your voice, you are welcome and needed here at The State of Women. Regardless of where you live, your education, or the assets you control, I welcome you to add to the community and conversation via our podcasts, videos, social media, written content, and more. Your contribution can be the catalyst for connection, a center for conversation, and an avenue for amplifying the voices of women from around the world—uplifting and empowering us all. With your help, I hope I can play a small part in building a future where women and girls have more opportunities and access to education, compensation, and positions of power and influence. Because let’s face it, our voices only matter if we, ourselves, believe that they matter.
Thank you to The State of Women team and our community for having me. Now let’s get to work!
Jen Amos
Award-Winning Podcaster + Entrepreneur
Executive Director of The State of Women
