Jenn flipped my job search on its head in the best way possible! From our very first chat, she just got me—like, deep down at my core—and met me exactly where I was. She wasn’t just tossing out generic advice; she was hands-on, full of ideas, and ready to roll. Thanks to her, I shifted my focus to smaller companies in tech and insurance, and—surprise, surprise—that’s where I started seeing real traction.
Jenn was all in on my success. She told me to lean into my authentic self (aka my secret sauce) and made sure I wasn’t just thinking about my next step—I was taking it. No fluffy corporate-speak, no vague pep talks. Just clear, no-nonsense action steps that actually moved the needle.
And let’s talk about her energy. Every session with her was like a career power-up. No matter what doubts or roadblocks I came in with, she tackled them head-on and sent me off rebooted—focused, fired up, and ready to make things happen.
If you want a coach who actually listens, hypes you up, and gives you real-deal strategies to land a job you love, Jenn’s your person. I can’t recommend her enough!
Sara Shelley | Founder at the S2 Effect
I was looking for the chance to learn about the operations of the organization and was excited to learn from a leader who consistently demonstrated commitment to a comprehensive team approach that focused on producing results.
Under Jennifer's leadership, I was able to witness first-hand, her commitment to teaching and developing all members of her team, as well as the organization as a whole. Since her arrival, Jennifer has delivered strong performance.
Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to work with a number of dynamic leaders, however the valuable lessons I learned while working for Jennifer have had a significant impact on my professional development. She taught me what it means to have integrity in my role and what it looks like to lead with enthusiasm and precision.”
Gretchen Youngren, Chief Development and Communications Officer at Samaritan Healthcare
While working at Vitalant, I had the pleasure of seeing the high quality of Jennifer’s work firsthand.
Her tenacity, directness, compassion, and leadership are awe-inspiring. Jennifer has been credited with providing the leadership needed to turn around the Northwest team performance and progress throughout the region!
Not only does she have her Donor Care team operating in the Superior or above category, Jennifer has a unique quality that draws folks in, establishes trust and fosters collaboration.
Jennifer Hawkins is reliable, dedicated and a go-getter. She’s a team player who raises the level of performance of those she interacts with on a regular basis. I know because I had the privilege of working with her and her team.
Vicki Mead, BSN, RN, PHN Senior Manager, Process and Equipment, West Division
She is open to constructive feedback and seldom views things through a myopic lens. I.e., her thoughts, words and actions address the broader team, the Division, and the communities we serve… she thinks beyond her Region.”
I recall being impressed with her fast and effective adaptation to the world of blood banking, while also assuming her leadership position.
As a leader, she is attuned to her team, and is able to find each person’s unique talents.
Jennifer makes a point to coach and mentor individual staff, while leveraging or maximizing these talents to strengthen the department.
I have personally benefited from her progressive style of leadership, her proven history of strong, compassionate leadership, proactive communication and exceptional team development.
Karen Klein, Hospital Account Manager, Vitalant
Jennifer earned several awards including an MVP award for superior coaching and development.
She was known for her ability to coach and develop staff, her strategic vision.
She brings passion and energy into the work environment pushing herself and others to challenge the status quo looking for new ways to approach the business.
She sets a clear picture of the company’s vision and guides her direct reports and peers to the achievement of this vision.
Jason Ward, Vice President Sales, Connect, American Family Insurance
Jennifer’s ability to think creatively and respond decisively made her one of the most successful Managers I had the chance to work with.
Whether it was compensation plan changes, customer service initiatives or performance metric redesigns, Jennifer applied herself to not only understanding the tactical aspects, but was fully engaged in the strategic application of the initiative.
Her comprehension of complex issues is balanced with a practical and common sense delivery.
She is a pleasure to work with and an asset to any team she’s a part of.
John Fear, CISR, CPIA Owner, Premier Business Solutions
Jennifer is a natural leader and brings out the best in her staff.
She epitomizes what operational excellence is and allows any employee to share their ideas and encourages them to keep bringing things to the table.
I started out as a temp and being allowed to share ideas and brainstorm was empowering and paramount to my growth as a professional. I have watched her do this with many staff over the years and so many have advanced to higher roles both at Vitalant and with other companies.
When you see all those buzz words about what a leader should be, the person that always comes to my mind is Jennifer Hawkins. She is a true leader that will bring out the best in her people.
Joe McGlone, Senior Director Hospital Services Vitalant
She is a forward-thinking innovative, and visionary leader who is responsive and decisive... In our conversations, we discussed opportunities to promote blood donation through public policy. As a result of that collaboration, we created the Washington Coalition of Blood Centers to engage with the state legislature and other elected officials on blood donation. Jennifer coordinated our meetings, refined our message, and testified on the legislation -- leading to passage of the Bill which reduced the age requirement for platelet donors. During the last two legislative sessions, Jennifer has attended meetings with legislators and helped to write legislation to build a foundation for Washington State blood centers... We have the deepest personal and professional respect for Jennifer Hawkins and believe she will bring her unique energy, optimism, passion, and tireless creativity.
Curt Bailey, President & CEO Vitalant
Of the 200 leaders of Spokane I had the honor to lead in that distinguished program, Jennifer was top 10% in her leadership skills, most namely her vision, her empathy and her passion. Jennifer was a key architect in helping define and articulate our service projects, which were a novel attempt to help our community. Rather than hide amongst the masses of Leadership Spokane candidates, Jennifer offered welcome insight and advice to make our program better. Jennifer had a rare ability to connect to others in our program and understand their perspective. Much of her skill comes from wisdom, but Jennifer always impressed me with a gift to connect on a deeper level by understanding the situations we discussed during the year and give a caring and thoughtful response that resonated.
Brian M. Newberry, CEO and Colonel, USAF
I have worked with Jennifer in building integrated and community minded partnerships at Eastern Washington University and its Athletic department. These partnerships have focused on positive community impact, brand perception and donor driving initiatives. Jennifer consistently pushed our partnerships to be innovative, engaging and relatable to our communities in order to best drive a return on investment. Additional success of these partnerships has been largely dependent on Jennifer's guidance of her team's commitment to executing plans at the highest level from ideation, strategy, execution and follow-up. Jennifer's regular commitment to serving our community, lending her time to it's institutions and continuing to build up a strong thriving donor base clearly shows her value to any organization.
Tim Shustoff, General Manager Athletics Department EWU