Suitcases, Selfies, & Sass Podcast

Join Jennifer, a world traveler who has explored over 40 countries across the globe, on Suitcases, Selfies & Sass. As a military veteran, military spouse, mother of 3 and adventurer, Jennifer’s travels range from deployment to the Persian Gulf to cruising the Caribbean, exploring Europe and everywhere in between. With a passion for travel writing, Jennifer dives into stories of unique destinations, cultural discoveries, and hidden gems. Whether it’s sipping coffee in a remote café or chasing sunsets on sandy beaches, Jennifer shares tips, tales, and travel inspiration to spark your next adventure.

Owner

T-Mobile

As a recruiting coordinator, I specialize in seamlessly orchestrating the hiring process by efficiently coordinating and organizing schedules between candidates, recruiters and senior leaders. My role extends beyond mere coordination, as I actively contributed to the success of two large-scale hiring events, engaging in full-cycle recruiting to ensure the identification and selection of top-tier talent.

One of my notable achievements involves fostering strategic connections between organizational leadership and Hiring Our Heroes fellows, creating enhanced opportunities for military veterans to thrive within our company. This initiative aligns with my commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and the recruitment of individuals with diverse backgrounds.

Recruiting Coordinator & Sourcing | T-Mobile For Business- Government/Federal Sales

Conducted talent acquisition initiatives as part of T-Mobile's commitment to the Hiring Our Heroes MilSpo Corporate Fellowship, an initiative supported by the US Chamber of Commerce. Leveraged professional networking platforms such as LinkedIn Recruiter and job search platforms like Indeed to actively source qualified candidates. Implemented a comprehensive pre-screening process by thoroughly reviewing candidates' profiles on LinkedIn and Indeed, followed by virtual and phone interviews to assess their suitability for various roles.

To streamline and organize prospect information, I utilized Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, ensuring accurate and accessible data for effective decision-making and strategic planning. Collaborated closely with senior recruiters to conduct in-depth research on potential candidates, identifying and engaging top-tier talent aligned with the company's needs and values.

This multifaceted approach allowed me to contribute significantly to T-Mobile's talent acquisition efforts while actively participating in a program dedicated to supporting military spouses through corporate fellowships.

Corporate MilSpo Fellowship (Hiring Our Heroes) Military & Diversity Recruiter

Target

In my role as a Healthy & Beauty Department Stocker, I brought my dedication and organizational skills to ensure the seamless stocking and presentation of products. My responsibilities involved maintaining the stock levels in the department, arranging displays, and contributing to the overall customer experience.

Health & Beauty DBO

As a Fulfillment Pacesetter, I played a key role in enhancing the efficiency of order fulfillment processes. This involved working collaboratively with the team to meet and exceed performance targets. Through my skills in Workday Integration, I contributed to the optimization of workflows, ensuring timely and accurate order processing.

Fulfillment Pacesetter

In my position as a Fulfillment Expert, I demonstrated my commitment to teamwork and efficiency. I actively participated in the fulfillment processes, contributing to the smooth operation of the department. My role required attention to detail and effective communication to meet the demands of a fast-paced work environment.

Throughout these experiences, I consistently leveraged my skills in Workday Integration to enhance operational processes and collaborated effectively with team members to achieve shared goals. My commitment to excellence, adaptability, and dedication to teamwork have been consistent themes in my contributions to the workplace.

Fulfillment Expert

Engaged in the meticulous process of product selection, where I carefully curated items for shipment. This involved a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to the thoughtful selection of products, meticulous assembly, accurate addressing, and the efficient shipping of merchandise or materials. My duties extended beyond mere preparation, encompassing the orchestration of the entire transportation process to ensure the timely and secure delivery of products to their designated destinations. Through a meticulous and detail-oriented approach, I contributed to the seamless flow of operations in the realm of product handling and shipment logistics.

Fulfillment Specialist

South Sound Productions

While a business owner for South Sound Productions (SSP) I created community events such as:
Battle of the Burger (October 2019)- hosted at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Wa. Hosted over 65 vendors including 6 burger competitors & 9 sponsors (T-Mobile, Costco, IHeartRadio & HelloFresh) which benefitted the USO NW. The event had over 3,000 attendees with a promotional reach of 1M. The event included a mobile stage with 3 bands (including the Army Band), RV show & beer garden. The event was a huge success and was slated to be done again in 2020 but due to COVID was cancelled. 

A Rustic Christmas Market: was a night market located over two venues in Roy, WA which boasted 75 vendors and a title sponsor of Northwest Chevrolet. Had over 2500 attendees on a very rainy evening. Worked with local authorities for a road closure + traffic flow. 

Heavy promotional event for the Military Appreciation events at Cheney Stadium (600 per year) + Costco Lacey (3,000 attendees)

While at SSP, I enjoyed bridging the realms of b2b, c2b & b2c interactions. Our multifaceted approach encompasses four core elements:
Produced numerous local comedy/music shows.

Event Production: We take pride in curating and promoting a diverse range of events, both self-produced and client oriented. Our expertise spans the entire spectrum of event planning and execution.
Public Relations: Created relationships with local businesses and agencies. 
Promotional Productions: Transforming logos into powerful brand assets, we create bespoke products that empower and elevate your business. Our innovative approach to promotional productions aligns with your brand's essence.
Talent Management/Network Referrals:  Fostered meaningful collaborations and referrals within diverse networks.

Company Owner

Northwest Military

I collaborated with Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs), engaged in Business-to-Business (B2B) interactions, and partnered with local government and education departments to execute comprehensive print and digital advertising campaigns targeted at the local military community. My role involved establishing strong connections within the community, understanding diverse needs, and tailoring advertising strategies to effectively reach and resonate with the intended audience.

One notable achievement during my tenure was successfully securing a substantial contract with the Seattle Mariners. This accomplishment not only underscored my ability to navigate complex business negotiations but also highlighted the effectiveness of the advertising strategies implemented. Through strategic networking, I cultivated valuable relationships that contributed to the growth and expansion of our advertising initiatives, further solidifying our presence within the military community and beyond..

Account Executive

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) or (DoDDS)

I served as a long-term substitute teacher, taking on the responsibilities of a paraprofessional/teacher in a dynamic Kindergarten classroom from September 2016 to the conclusion of April 2017. My role encompassed various tasks, including providing invaluable assistance to the teacher in day-to-day activities such as escorting children to the nurse, managing restroom breaks, and facilitating their participation in specialized classes like art, music, language, and recess.

Beyond routine tasks, I took the initiative to inject creativity into the classroom environment. This involved conceptualizing and implementing engaging art projects not only within the confines of the classroom but also extending to the door and hallway spaces. These projects not only added a vibrant touch to the surroundings but also contributed to a positive and inspiring learning atmosphere for the young learners.

Moreover, during the teacher's absence, I seamlessly assumed control of the class, ensuring the continuity of the curriculum. This involved effective lesson delivery, maintaining a conducive learning environment, and addressing any queries or concerns that the students may have had. My commitment to maintaining an enriching educational experience for the students was evident in my proactive approach and dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment.

Long Term Substitute Teacher

Kid Friendly World 101

Kid Friendly Europe 101 began as a humble travel blog in September 2014, but it quickly evolved into a substantial platform. Through this endeavor, I shared travel deals and documented our incredible adventures across Europe. As a family—comprising my three children, my husband (who joined us most of the time), and myself—we had the privilege of exploring 21 countries while stationed in Germany. Our travels included multiple visits to Croatia (where we spent nearly an entire month), numerous trips to France (including Paris, Disneyland Paris, and the French Riviera), as well as experiences in the United Kingdom, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Reach and Impact:

Social Media Platforms: Kid Friendly Europe 101 now reaches audiences across three major social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Organic Reach: Our content consistently reaches over 3,000 engaged followers organically.
Blog Traffic: The blog website receives between 1,500 and 2,500 monthly visits.
Upcoming Enhancements: Stay tuned! We’re currently undergoing significant maintenance to enhance the user experience.
Self-Hosted Site: In January 2016, transitioned to a self-hosted website, allowing us greater flexibility and control over our content.

Travel Writer

America Veterans Racing

Assisted in the grassroots of an all veterans NASCAR racing team.

Marketing Director

The Mission Continues

Embarked on a transformative journey through a 6-month fellowship with the esteemed nationwide organization, The Mission Continues, where I committed over 400 hours to community service with the Fe-Ma-Le Foundation—a branch of the F7 Group. During this impactful fellowship, I actively engaged in planning, coordinating, and recruiting participants for two bi-annual retreats/business boot-camps, creating a dynamic environment for personal and professional growth.

My commitment extended beyond the organizational realm as I utilized social media platforms to provide unwavering support, essential resources, and valuable tools to veterans, women in uniform, and women standing alongside those in uniform. Through these virtual channels, I aimed to empower and uplift individuals within these communities, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.

One of the highlights of my community service initiatives was the successful planning and execution of a project at the Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children. In collaboration with 50 dedicated volunteers, we achieved remarkable results within a span of 3 hours. The project focused on enhancing the facilities through a thorough cleaning process, contributing to the well-being of the retreat and leaving a lasting positive impact on the surrounding community. This endeavor not only showcased effective leadership and organizational skills but also reflected my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others through community-driven initiatives.

Fellowship Alumni

US Navy

As a Personnel Records Clerk at PSD San Diego, I played a pivotal role in managing service records for over 4,500 personnel. My responsibilities included processing service record entries, dependency data, and pay documents. Additionally, I served as an Educational Service Officer, overseeing the preparation of over 2,000 worksheets for the Navy Wide Exam. I actively assisted personnel with pay and benefit issues, demonstrating proficiency in computerized databases such as Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS), Defense MilPay Office (DMO), and Master Military Pay Account (MMPA).

Honorable Discharge for College Attendance.

Personnel Records Clerk

In my role as a Deck Seaman, I contributed to various aspects of ship operations aboard USS Comstock LSD 45. This included general food service work, where I fulfilled duties associated with Deck Seaman responsibilities. As a Helmsman, I steered the ship and performed basic navigation tasks. Serving as Aft-Lookout, I maintained the safety and security of the ship and onboard personnel. Additionally, I excelled as Messenger-of-the-Watch, ensuring ship security by clearing personnel for boarding, confirming identification, and securing belongings. Engaging in general ship maintenance, I utilized hand tools, electric tools, and operated cranes and forklifts. My deployment experience during WESTPAC in 2004 further enhanced my skills in this dynamic environment.

Deck Seamen

During my time as a Recruit/Student at Recruit Command Great Lakes, IL, I honed essential teamwork skills, laying the foundation for collaborative efforts and effective communication within a military setting.

Throughout my tenure in the United States Navy, I consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, adapting to diverse roles and responsibilities, and contributing significantly to the success of the team. My experiences reflect a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a dedication to upholding the values of the U.S. Navy.

Recruit/Student

TFB Recruiting Coordinator @ T-Mobile | Talent 🦄 Sourcer | Navy Veteran | Military Spouse | World Traveler | Y’all

I’ve always been a people-person, finding joy in assisting others and guiding them in the right direction, whether it’s with resources or connecting them with the right individuals. Volunteering is a passion of mine, dating back to my youth when I contributed to the restoration of a theater in Wharton, Texas. 
 Additionally, I’ve completed fellowships with The Mission Continues (2012) and Hiring Our Heroes (2022/2023).

My diverse background encompasses marketing, advertising, content writing (with a focus on travel), event production/planning, talent management, K12 Education (as a paraeducator), sourcing, and military service. I served in the Navy for four years on active duty.

I’ve been honored with multiple awards and certificates of appreciation, including Veteran Business of the Year in 2019 and a Certificate of Appreciation from Costco in Lacey, also in 2019. You’ll find a comprehensive list of my awards and recognitions on my LinkedIn page.

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