Influential Woman · Executive Assistant

Trea Jonge

Executive Administrative Assistant, Kenvue

Stirling, NJ

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Schufers Institute Degree Amsterdam Member Sweet Adelines

Her Story

About Trea

My day-to-day work involves very heavy calendaring, scheduling, and gatekeeping for executives. I handle expense reports, arrange both domestic and international travel, and organize off-site meetings and conferences. I also update distribution lists and provide various other support services. As an executive assistant, you're very tied to your executive, so if they retire, or if there's a merger, or any other reason, you could lose your job. Then you have to go find another job, so sometimes it's hard to keep at it and keep working. What I'm most proud of is that I've always kept working and I've always kept up with all the technology that you have to learn as an assistant - different systems like Concur, Ariba, Microsoft Teams, and all the different systems. I believe that clear communication is very important when you are supporting an executive - you have to have a really good relationship with them. I also believe that AI cannot replace the role of an executive assistant, even though some people may think that.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Trea

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to good people skills and a sense of customer service and a sense of urgency. These qualities have helped me maintain strong relationships with the executives I support and handle the various demands of my role effectively throughout my 30-year career.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received came from my dad, who always taught me to never be afraid to ask questions. I'm not afraid to ask questions of anyone - I don't care if it's a lawyer or a doctor, I still ask the questions. This advice has served me well throughout my career and has helped me continuously learn and adapt.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to a young woman entering adulthood and trying to figure out which way to go in life is that knowledge is power. And don't be afraid to ask questions. These two principles have guided me throughout my career and have been essential to my success and continuous growth in the field.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I think clear communication is very important and represents both a challenge and an opportunity at the same time. When you are supporting an executive, you have to have a really good relationship with them. I also believe that AI cannot replace the role of an executive assistant, even though some people may think that. The human element and the relationship-building aspect of this work remain irreplaceable.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me in my work and personal life are integrity and being genuine. I also value transparency in terms of forming relationships and being human, though I recognize that in my role I also have to be able to keep confidential information. What I mean by transparency is being authentic in forming relationships and being a genuine person in how I interact with others.

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