Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Chiarella is Deputy General Counsel at Valitana, a fintech startup founded in 2017, where she oversees legal, compliance, and HR functions with an emphasis on risk mitigation, regulatory adherence, and organizational integrity. She partners closely with company leadership to develop and implement policies, manage employment matters, and provide practical legal guidance that supports business operations and strategic growth. Her career has spanned both the technology and aerospace sectors, including prior roles as Senior Legal Counsel at Valitana, Manager within EY Law's Legal Managed Services practice, Contract Negotiator at Sikorsky, and Legal Counsel at Lydall, giving her broad experience across contract negotiation, compliance, and global business operations.
In addition to her corporate work, Chiarella has served for six years as an Adjunct Professor of Business Law at the University of Connecticut, where she blends real-world legal experience with academic instruction to prepare students for careers in law and business. She holds a Juris Doctor with a Certificate in Environmental and Energy Law from the University of Connecticut School of Law, which she completed in 2014, and a Master of Business Administration in International Business from the University of Connecticut School of Business, earned in 2017. During law school, she was selected as an Honors Law Clerk at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance in Washington, D.C.
Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Chiarella is deeply committed to community service, having served for fourteen years as a Board Member of the Yale Sappern Memorial Fund, a nonprofit supporting law students who work with victims of domestic violence, and as a member of the Diversity Committee of the National Association of Women Lawyers. She credits her success to adaptability and authenticity, and outside of work she enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, and exploring new restaurants and activities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being adaptable and open to change. I try to roll with things while staying authentic and true to myself, and I remain flexible and willing to pivot whenever it's necessary.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to always trust my gut and have confidence in my decisions. I've learned not to be afraid to speak up when it matters.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women entering this industry to always ask questions and never stop learning. Don't be afraid to speak up and share your perspective, and be a sponge for everyone you work with, because that's how you shape the leader and professional you'll become.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I face is encountering unfamiliar issues or unknowns when someone comes forward with a matter I have no prior experience with, and determining how that should shape or change our processes going forward.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Empathy is central to everything I do. I believe that having empathy in everyday life leads to deeper, more meaningful connections, and that being kind and caring is where trust ultimately comes from.
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