Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Griffin is a Deputy Product Manager at Portfolio Acquisition Executive Marine Corps and an experienced professional in government program management and defense acquisition. She brings more than a decade of experience across government projects, program management, consulting, higher education, and military service. Her career includes positions with Marine Corps Systems Command, NAVWAR, Artemis Consulting, and MusicWorx, as well as experience in higher education admissions counseling. She is a Navy veteran and has developed expertise in government acquisitions, training, organizational leadership, and program management. Jennifer's career developed through a series of opportunities that were not always part of a predetermined plan. After a professional transition in California, an administrative position ultimately opened the door to government projects, leading to work supporting a Navy program office and eventually to federal government service. She later transitioned from government contracting to the federal side and advanced through roles as an Assistant Program Manager, Project Officer, Team Lead, and Deputy Product Manager. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business/Information Systems from the University of Phoenix and a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership from Argosy University-San Diego. Her professional philosophy emphasizes preparation, resilience, adaptability, mentorship, accountability, and commitment to the mission. Service and mentorship are also important parts of Jennifer's professional identity. She has volunteered with The Mission Continues, where she participated in veteran-focused community revitalization efforts and led a platoon in San Diego, and she previously served as a children's ministry teacher and curriculum developer at C3 Church San Diego. She has also supported community organizations through volunteer work and cooked weekly for a family shelter. Jennifer is particularly committed to mentoring women entering traditionally male-dominated professional environments. She believes that meaningful leadership extends beyond personal advancement and includes creating opportunities for others, supporting colleagues, serving communities, and helping the next generation recognize that they belong in the room.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, preparation, mentorship, and being willing to step into opportunities even when the path is not clearly defined. My career developed through unexpected opportunities, and I learned to view setbacks as openings to grow rather than as endings. My military background also taught me the importance of discipline, accountability, teamwork, and staying focused on the mission. Most importantly, I have learned that success is not simply about reaching a position; it is about using the opportunities I have been given to help others succeed as well.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned throughout my career is the importance of finding a strong mentor. Mentorship provides perspective, encouragement, and guidance, particularly when navigating unfamiliar or challenging professional environments. I also believe that being a good leader begins with learning how to be a good follower. Building relationships, asking questions, continuing to develop my skills, and remaining open to learning have all played an important role in my professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find a strong mentor, especially someone who understands the challenges and opportunities you may encounter, and never be afraid to ask questions. Learn to advocate for yourself, recognize your value, and understand that you belong in the room. I encourage women to support rather than compete with one another—another woman's success does not diminish your own. Build relationships, share knowledge, and help create opportunities for the women who come after you. I also believe it is important to protect your personal well-being. Sustainable leadership requires boundaries, restoration, and self-care, because taking care of yourself allows you to continue serving, leading, mentoring, and contributing effectively.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I see tremendous opportunities for women to contribute their leadership, analytical abilities, collaboration, and diverse perspectives to government program management and defense acquisition. At the same time, women entering traditionally male-dominated environments may encounter cultural and professional barriers that require confidence, preparation, mentorship, and resilience to navigate. For me, one of the greatest opportunities is not simply advancing personally, but helping transform the path for those who follow by demonstrating that women can lead with strength, professionalism, collaboration, and purpose.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, service, accountability, respect, teamwork, excellence, resilience, and commitment to mission are central to my professional and personal life. I believe leadership carries a responsibility to give back and to use the opportunities we have earned to open doors, strengthen communities, support others, and leave a meaningful legacy of service.
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