Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Collins serves as Community and Programs Manager for Sierra Delta, a veteran's nonprofit in Lacey, Washington. In this role for approximately 9 months, she develops and leads a quarterly leadership cohort, supports onboarding of new members, and reviews grant applications for dog training programs that help veterans find renewed purpose through service and community. A retired U.S. Army helicopter pilot and Chief Warrant Officer 4, Collins completed three combat tours and was recognized as one of the most decorated senior pilots in her units. She received the Order of St. Michael silver award and bronze award from the Army Aviation Association of America for her significant contributions to Army aviation. Collins attributes her success to an internal drive developed from a young age and is passionate about mentoring women in male-dominated fields by sharing her experiences as a female pilot who proved capability equals that of her male counterparts.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I think my success is my internal drive, honestly. Since I was young I wanted to join the military and be a military pilot, and I had all these dreams and aspirations, and so I don't really know what that internal drive was that did that to me. I grew up in a divorced home, stuff like that, so I just had this internal drive that always told me that I can have a special life and live a really great life. There's people that have helped me along the way, but I honestly feel like it has mostly been me, just my drive.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
When I was in flight school, my instructor pilot told me the helicopter doesn't know if you're male or female. My career advice to people would be to do whatever it is that you're most passionate about, and give it 100%, even 110%, and don't let anybody tell you you can't do it.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Make sure she does her research so she knows exactly what it is she wants to do, and she's going into it knowing the requirements, but also knowing that she can do whatever it is that she wants to do. It's just a matter of how hard she wants to work and the effort she wants to put into it. Also, surround yourselves with some peers that you can really lean on. That sisterhood is invaluable.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are people's preconceived notions of what a woman can do. I am an example of the fact that a woman can do the job that a man can do. In aviation, you don't physically have to be stronger than the man to do the job. Pick the job that you want, and know that if you have the talent to do that job, then you can do it just as well as men.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Authenticity is valuable to me, understanding and compassion. Just like they're doing everything 100% or as much as you can give it.
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