The 2022 Women Leaders In Technology: Jennifer Pavelec

Jennifer is a managing director with Huron and has more than two decades of experience supporting operational and technical implementations in higher education institutions' clinical and research functions. Her expertise includes program implementations, large-scale strategic planning efforts, operational compliance and optimization, business process analysis and reengineering, as well as financial and administrative system analysis. Prior to joining Huron, Jennifer held roles in the research units at the University of Hawaii and The Ohio State University Research Foundation.

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

Looking back over my career, I would have to credit one of my greatest achievements to those individuals I have helped to develop. I have been fortunate to work with great people throughout my career and whether they stay at Huron and grow as a leader or become a leader in a different area, it is rewarding to see them shine in their careers and in leadership positions.

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning a career in consulting?

The advice I would give a consultant beginning their career is that it is important to treat people how you want to be treated. Being a consultant, particularly in higher education, your longevity in this business is about creating lasting relationships and continuing to build a strong network of people around you, from mentors to clients.

What have you loved most about your consulting career?

I love the energy of the higher education industry and the flexibility and variety Huron provides because it has enabled me to be a more well-rounded consultant. I joined the company with a very specific higher education technology background, and I've been able to transform that experience into working with exceptional teammates at Huron and delivering projects across our industries and capabilities. I've also had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the greatest institutions and academic medical centers in the country.

What's the best advice—personal or professional—you've ever received?

Early in my career I worked with a leader who stressed the importance of relationships and listening to better understand the underlying challenges people face. As you build your consulting brand and develop your teams, taking the time to listen and really hear what your teams and clients are going through and what their interests are, will help you better deliver on their needs and address their long-term challenges.

What does being honored as a Woman Leader in Consulting mean to you?

It is an honor to have this platform to show others what is possible and to ensure we have future diversity and different perspectives in technology and across the industry. This award recognizes all of the hard work of the people who came before me and will continue to honor and give an opportunity to those after me.