WE Lead Higher Ed Conference

Experience
For over 30 years in the leadership development field, Jennifer has served leaders, organizations, and
communities globally including healthcare, government, military, educational, community leadership,
pharmaceuticals, and energy. Through organizational change, impact evaluation, high impact design, delivery
of programs, and research, she brings a deep expertise in leadership research and how to apply it in practical,
powerful ways for leaders and organizations. She helps organizations do the hard work required to become
inclusive and equitable to create space for all types of leaders at all levels. A co-author of the highly regarded
book Kick Some Glass: Ten Ways Women Succeed at Work on Their Own Terms with Portia Mount, Jennifer is
passionate about helping women to break through their proverbial glass ceilings and move toward
understanding and attainment of their unique definitions of success.
Current Role
Jennifer is the president and founder of Leap & Inspire Global LLC, an organization focused on helping
individuals and organizations achieve their full potential through coaching, consulting, and development. A
key area of focus for Jennifer is on equity, inclusion, and diversity. Jennifer works with organizations to create
inclusive cultures that sustain diversity of leadership at all levels for all types of leaders. She also serves as an
Honorary Senior Fellow and leadership solutions facilitator for the Center for Creative Leadership, an affiliate
with Executive Coaching Connections, and a senior consultant with Talent Dimensions, Positive
Developments, the Ariel Group, and the Reina Trust Building Group. She has previously served as an adjunct
professor at High Point University (High Point, NC) and National University (La Jolla, CA).
Educational Background
Jennifer earned a B.A. in psychology from North Carolina State University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in industrial
and organizational psychology from the Pennsylvania State University.
Professional Affiliations and Personal
Jennifer is a member of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology and the Women Business
Collaborative. She has served on multiple boards and is currently a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for
the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at NC State University, member of the Advisory Committee for
the Women Business Collaborative, and a member, committee chair, and immediate past chair of the board
for NCCJ. Jennifer and her husband Jim are the proud parents of three adult children and completely in love
with their granddaughter and grandson.

Pat Martinez, the founder of Leadership in the Clouds™ (LITC™), an organization dedicated to democratizing leadership training and empowering professionals to flourish in their careers. Her journey, shaped by a profound understanding of leadership and a commitment to community engagement, reflects an inspiring tale of resilience, innovation, and empathy. From creating unique training programs to overcoming challenges as a Latina leader in a predominantly male industry, Martinez has established herself as a trailblazer who embodies emotional intelligence and servant leadership. She is also a trailblazer in organizational transformation and leadership development. With over 30 years of experience spanning leadership, business development, and nonprofit management, Martinez has established herself as a trusted advisor across industries. Her ever-growing boutique consulting firm, Leadership in the Clouds™, empowers businesses and individuals to thrive in today's fast-paced world by providing innovative tools and strategies. Under her guidance, Leadership in the Clouds™ continues to ignite innovation and create environments for success as an award-winning leader and creator of the Alliance and founder of the firm. She is a prolific community leader, author, and advocate for social capital building. Next year, there is a 7-City tour entitled “Success in Mind” Women Empowerment Conference, where Pat will introduce her leadership book “Success in Mind”. She believes that “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”