Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Elise Gonzalez serves as Global Learning and Development Manager at Samtec Inc., a position she has held since March 2025 within the company's tech-driven learning and development function. In this global role, she partners with engineering, operations, and sales teams at every level, from senior executives to entry-level floor operators, overseeing leader development, new-hire orientation, training strategy, and the alignment of culture and messaging across all company sites worldwide. Before stepping into learning and development, Gonzalez spent eight years in operations management, where she led teams of 200 to 300 direct reports and first discovered her passion for coaching and developing people. She joined Samtec as a Learning and Development Specialist in 2022 before being promoted into her current global position roughly a year and a half ago. Gonzalez holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Louisville, and she credits much of her professional philosophy to the lessons learned during her years in operations, where responsibility and hands-on problem-solving shaped the leader she has become. She often describes her approach as one of "caring authority," favoring mentorship and one-on-one coaching over rigid command-and-control leadership. Raised in a modest household as the child of a pastor and teacher, she draws heavily on the example set by her father, Richard Carver, whose guidance and mantra of "make a plan, work the plan" continue to influence how she navigates both her career and personal challenges. In recognition of her professional contributions, Gonzalez was selected to represent New Albany, Indiana in the 2026 Influential Women edition. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Gonzalez is deeply committed to service and family. She and her husband intentionally open their home to immigrants and individuals in need, offering a welcoming space for those without local connections or support systems. She is happily married and the mother of two young children, with whom she enjoys spending time outdoors and visiting local parks. Gonzalez remains passionate about mentorship, particularly for women navigating careers in male-dominated industries, and encourages others to build strong professional networks, embrace failure as a learning tool, and never stop pushing beyond their comfort zones.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of faith, family, hard work, and the people who have invested in me along the way. My parents raised me in a modest but driven household, and growing up as a pastor's child taught me how to build relationships with people from all walks of life. My father, Dr. Richard Carver, modeled wisdom, humility, and the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace. My mother's influence has been equally significant. Her love for the Lord and her unwavering belief in me shaped the lens through which I view both my potential and my purpose. They still are my biggest cheerleaders, constantly reminding me of my worth and encouraging me to pursue opportunities with confidence.
Professionally, my years in operations management provided invaluable experience, and throughout my career I've been blessed with mentors who challenged me, supported me, and gave me the freedom to learn through both successes and failures. One of the most important lessons I've learned along the way is what I call the power of the pause. Early in my career, especially as a young woman in a male-dominated environment, I often felt pressure to have an immediate answer, to react quickly, or to prove myself in every conversation. Over time, I've learned that some of the best leadership happens in the pause. The pause gives my head a chance to catch up to my heart. It creates space to listen instead of simply waiting to speak. It allows me to gain clarity, seek understanding, and respond thoughtfully rather than emotionally. Sometimes it's as simple as taking a breath before making a decision. Honing this skill has helped me become a better leader, communicator, and relationship builder, and it has reminded me that confidence isn't always demonstrated by speaking first, but often by knowing when to pause, reflect, and listen.
Ultimately, my success is the result of God's faithfulness, the foundation my family provided, the mentors who believed in me, and a commitment to continually learn, grow, and serve others well.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received came from my father, who taught me to "make a plan, work the plan." I've carried that mantra with me throughout my career, balancing careful preparation with a willingness to adapt along the way. I also value the guidance of mentors who gave me the space to fail, learn, and grow rather than shielding me from difficult experiences. And I'd be remiss not to mention my husband, who has been one of my biggest supporters. Whenever I'm hesitating to take on a new challenge, he's usually the voice reminding me to go for it. His philosophy is essentially, "What's the worst that could happen?" Apparently, that's been enough encouragement to convince me to take on some of the biggest opportunities of my career. Thankfully, he's usually right.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd encourage young women to continually push themselves outside of their comfort zone, because that's where real growth happens and where the path to future success is built. Build and expand your professional network, stay curious about what other women in your field are doing, and learn from strategies and ideas that are working for others. Use those connections to ask questions, seek mentorship, and broaden your perspective beyond your current role.
Most importantly, remember that you've already survived 100% of your hardest days. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt, but don't let them define you. Trust yourself, keep learning, keep showing up, and keep doing your best. Progress is rarely a straight line, but consistency, resilience, and a willingness to grow will take you farther than you ever imagined.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being less than two years into my role as Global Learning & Development Manager while also raising two small children at home has been one of the biggest challenges and opportunities of my career. My field, particularly within technology and manufacturing, is still largely male-dominated, so navigating that landscape continues to be part of my journey.
Professionally, one of the greatest challenges has been helping shift the conversation around Learning & Development from simply delivering training to becoming a strategic business partner that builds capability, leadership strength, and organizational readiness. Leading global alignment efforts across multiple countries means balancing consistency with flexibility, influencing teams that don't directly report to me, and creating learning experiences that support both local needs and global business goals.
At the same time, that's also what makes this role so exciting. I have the opportunity to help scale leadership development, strengthen our culture, prepare employees for future skills, and create alignment across all of our international locations. Watching those efforts come together and seeing leaders and teams grow has been incredibly rewarding.
On a personal level, finding the balance between a demanding global role, being present for my family, and trying to do both well often feels impossible and, at times, a little crazy. I don't think anyone ever truly masters that balance. Instead, we learn to prioritize what matters most, give ourselves grace, and keep moving forward. Those challenges have stretched me in ways I never anticipated, making me a more resilient leader, a better listener, and a more empathetic person.
Looking back, the biggest opportunities have often come disguised as challenges. They've pushed me to grow, to lead with greater purpose, and to appreciate that success isn't just measured by business results, but by the positive impact we have on the people we serve at work and the family we come home to each day.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are faith, family, integrity, growth, and service. My relationship with God is the foundation of how I approach both my personal life and my work. My faith gives me perspective, keeps me grounded during challenges, and reminds me that success is about more than achievements. It is about the impact we have on others.
Family is my greatest priority and my greatest motivation. As a mother, I am driven by the legacy I am creating for my children. I want them to see that with faith, perseverance, and hard work, they can accomplish meaningful things and overcome obstacles. At the same time, I want them to know that success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the character we demonstrate, the people we serve, and the lives we positively influence along the way.
In my work, I am passionate about helping others learn, grow, and reach their potential. I believe in leading with authenticity, treating people with respect, and continuously learning and improving. Ultimately, I hope to leave a legacy that my children can be proud of, one that reflects strong faith, meaningful contributions, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
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