Her Story
About Jana
I've had an incredible 30-year career journey that started with my passion for math and physics in high school, inspired by a fantastic physics teacher who motivated me to become an electrical engineer. I earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees in electrical engineering from UCLA in the 1970s, where I was one of only two women graduating with a master's degree - there were not very many women in the engineering school back then. I began in aerospace, where I crafted radar systems, and I'm particularly proud that I created the radar for the SR-71 plane that's now displayed in the Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. After focusing on technology creation, I became interested in strategy and went back to Stanford Business School. Upon graduation, I worked as a consultant for Bain & Company out of Boston for five years, flying all over the East Coast and learning about different business types. In 1991, I moved back to California to be closer to family and joined PG&E, where I had five careers over 30 years. I ran Sonoma County Operations, served as a lobbyist at the California legislature and Public Utilities Commission where I learned that being persuasive means clearly articulating the other side's position, directed the Energy Efficiency and Electric Vehicle programs, and chaired the statewide EV program working with utilities across California. I felt we were really influential in the electric vehicle business because what California does, the United States often follows, and what the United States does, the rest of the world does. I also led a $2.2 billion smart meter project at PG&E. Now in retirement, I'm finding that thing that feeds my soul - I serve on the Stanford Global Management Board and as president of the board for a local philanthropy to bring back our vintage movie theater. I also mentor young women in STEM through a program in Contra Costa County.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of enthusiasm and hard work. I was genuinely interested in what I was doing, and I worked hard at it. Frankly, the projects I worked on were fascinating - like the radar design where we worked with the federal government. Just having the opportunity to cross paths with people who are making these incredible decisions was really motivational. That combination of being passionate about fascinating work and putting in the effort is what drove my success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
This is going to sound crazy, but I had a fantastic physics teacher in high school. His lessons were so interesting and so fascinating, and it inspired me to become an electrical engineer. I've really tried to find him, but I'm old and he's probably way older than me. It was one of those things that really inspired me to follow the career path that I had. Sometimes the best advice or influence comes from an inspiring teacher who opens your eyes to what's possible.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I've been signed up to be a mentor for young women in STEM in Contra Costa County, and I've given a lot of thought to what conversation I would have with them. If they're interested in tech or math - that's how I got into the industry, as a math and physics student - I want to encourage them and let them call me if they have any questions. I don't know exactly how to encourage someone, but if you're interested in that sort of thing, it's fascinating. It's endlessly fascinating, and it's a field that is just jaw-dropping, especially right now. You have to find that thing that feeds your soul and pursue it.
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