Women of Wilson 2019: Jessica Ward

Women of Wilson 2019

March is the month that we honor Women of Wilson. This initiative is designed to recognize and thank the women who are innovating, leading by example and helping to create the great successes we’re experiencing here at WilsonHCG.

We asked staff to nominate the women they think deserve to be honored and we've been speaking to the six finalists to find out more about them.

Jessica Ward, a Talent Attraction Manager at WilsonHCG, is one of our finalists. She is based in Minnesota, USA.

How long have you worked at WilsonHCG?

Four years and counting.

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

A Flamingo. Flamingos always maintain their individuality whether they are standing alone or in a group. They are social birds and form strong bonds to those in their flock. Not to mention they are vibrant, and resourceful, and have great balance.

Who is a woman in history you admire and why?

My go to is always Helen Keller but as my girls are growing up, I find myself talking to them about many strong and determined woman who used their voices and positive actions to pave the way for others to follow. Our history is filled with women who made a difference and these women are remarkable in their own rights. Marie Curie, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Reagan, Amelia Earhart, Maya Angelou, Gloria Steinem, Malala Yousafzai, and Lucille Ball to name a few. There are so many others who used their voice/minds to bravely carry on a path less traveled not out of pity or the need for fame, but rather to show others the possibility, the faith, and the equality needed in the world. We are not one, we are many.

What advice would you give someone looking to advance into a leadership role?

Leadership is more than just a title - it is someone who steps up to make a positive impact and shares their knowledge so others can move forward with them. It is someone who is not afraid to make a mistake or fall forward. A good leader let’s others shine around them instead of themselves because they are passionate about seeing others succeed. Do not be scared to take the leap into something new, as you can not discover new things if you do not lose sight of the shoreline. At the end of the day, just stay true to you, communicate often, be a change agent, empower yourself and others, and rise to the occasion naturally.

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be and why?

Since Heaven does not have visiting hours, I would trade one day here on Earth with a friend’s loved one in Heaven. This way they could get time with their loved one and I could see my loved ones in Heaven.

What is one of the things you would put on your bucket list?

To travel anywhere with my husband and kids. Seeing the world’s beauty is one thing but seeing it through the eyes of a child is pretty amazing.

Are you a morning or night person?

I am a night person more than a morning person but it can be easily influenced depending on the coffee intake!

What is one of your weird quirks?

One of my many quirks is my ability to retain songs from the 50’s to the present. It has proven to come in handy when there is a need to inspire, laugh, or just bust out into song- not to mention the trivia games I win!

Describe yourself in three words

Loyal, social, and ever-evolving.