Influential Woman · Business Operations (Aerospace & Space Research)
Jennifer Sierra
Business Operations Leader, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Pasadena, CA 91109
The tradition I hope more women will break is believing they must wait until everyone else is taken care of before investing in themselves. Growth isn't selfish.
Jennifer Sierra · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Sierra is a Business Operations Leader at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), where she has spent more than 25 years partnering with executive leadership to strengthen business operations, lead strategic initiatives, and help organizations navigate change across complex, mission-driven environments. Growing up in a family deeply connected to JPL, she developed an early appreciation for innovation, collaboration, and the power of people working together to accomplish extraordinary things.
Driven by a lifelong passion for learning and helping others grow, Jennifer pursued her Master of Science in Management and Leadership at Pepperdine University. The experience further strengthened her passion for leadership development, emotional intelligence, and helping people grow both personally and professionally. It also inspired a new chapter as the founder of JenniferSpeaks.net, where she encourages individuals and organizations to embrace authenticity, overcome self-doubt, and lead with confidence and purpose.
Jennifer currently mentors employees through JPL's BuddyUp Program, serves on the JPL GUILD Committee, and co-founded the JPL Mindfulness Club in 2018 to foster connection and well-being in the workplace. She is known for bringing people together, building meaningful relationships, and creating environments where people feel supported, valued, and inspired to grow.
Whether supporting a NASA mission, mentoring a colleague, or speaking to an audience, Jennifer is driven by one purpose: helping people discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and realize more of what's possible within themselves. She believes leadership is measured not by titles, but by the lives we influence, the relationships we build, and the positive impact we leave behind.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to staying true to who I am, building meaningful relationships, and always looking for ways to grow. Throughout my career, trust, consistency, and a genuine desire to help others have opened more doors than any title ever could. More than any accomplishment, I'm most proud of the people I've encouraged, mentored, and watched grow over the years.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received was to never stop learning. No matter where you are in your career or in life, there's always an opportunity to grow. Staying curious has challenged me to see things differently, embrace new experiences, and become a better leader, mentor, and person.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never underestimate the value of your voice. Don't wait until you feel perfectly prepared before raising your hand or pursuing an opportunity. Stay curious, ask questions, be willing to learn, and trust that your unique perspective has value. Confidence doesn't come from having all the answers. It comes from having the courage to keep showing up.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Technology is transforming the way we work faster than ever before, creating incredible opportunities for innovation and collaboration. At the same time, the greatest challenge is making sure we don't lose the human side of leadership. The organizations that will thrive are the ones that embrace innovation while continuing to invest in people, relationships, and cultures where everyone can thrive.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness, integrity, compassion, and family are at the center of everything I do. I believe people remember how you make them feel long after they forget what you accomplished together. Whether in my professional or personal life, I want others to feel seen, encouraged, and valued because I believe that's where lasting impact begins.
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