Leadership Journey, Communication, Continuous Growth, Advocacy, and Personal Voice

Jennifer Clark Fugolo shares a leadership path shaped by diverse lived experiences, beginning with a biracial upbringing that developed empathy, awareness, and resilience. She studied broadcast journalism and later entered PR by accepting an administrative assistant role to get her foot in the door, learning by absorbing everything around her “like a sponge.” Her career progressed across communications roles, including leading messaging during the pandemic and stepping into DEI work after the murder of George Floyd. Each experience reinforced her belief in speaking up, building trust first, and being open to opportunities.

Continuous learning is central to her development. She reads leadership content daily, relies on a personal board of directors, and pairs formal learning with intuitive insight. She describes her involvement with nonprofits as a commitment to giving back and bringing underrepresented perspectives into decision-making spaces. Jenn views communication as both art and science, emphasizing clarity, sincerity, and tailoring messages to the audience. She also underscores the importance of self-advocacy, challenging the inner critic, and entering conversations with intention. Her personal mantra, “love yourself, mix it up, and keep it moving,”guides her decisions and risk-taking.

Notable Quotes/Highlights

• “You never know where life will take you.”
• “I was really a sponge at that moment.”
• “Vocabulary is changing. Needs are changing. Leadership is changing.”
• “Love yourself, mix it up, and keep it moving.”
• “Keep learning.”

Closing Reflection

Jenn’s reflections underscore the importance of empathy, intentional growth, and trusting one’s instincts. She highlights how community, continuous learning, and self-awareness shape confident leadership. Her approach to communication demonstrates how clarity and sincerity build influence across settings. She encourages others to seek diverse perspectives, honor their inner voice, and use support systems that reinforce their strengths. Ultimately, her journey shows that staying open to change and grounded in purpose leads to meaningful personal and professional impact.