Jennifer Schielke

I attribute my success to diligence and an unwavering commitment to authenticity and service—values shaped by 20 years of life-on-life ministry and leadership with a global training organization. Her career began in accounting at Deloitte, which launched her into SEC reporting for a biotech firm and freelance consulting before transitioning to IT staffing and recruiting, where she has spent nearly 18 years. As Co‑Founder and CEO of Summit Group Solutions, LLC, Jennifer leads a dynamic team dedicated to professional development, operational excellence, and meaningful impact. Beyond her role as CEO, she invests in others through thought leadership, mentoring, and speaking engagements that inspire leaders to lead with integrity and purpose.

Allow others to form their opinions while you observe with insight. Then, lead by example—let your actions speak and your results define you.

For young women entering my industry, I encourage you to be bold in seeking out mentorship and building your network. Don’t hesitate to reach out to leaders—many are willing to share their knowledge and experiences, even if your career path ultimately takes a different direction. In today’s digital world, I’ve found that face-to-face connections remain invaluable, creating meaningful relationships and opening doors to opportunities that might not arise online. I am also deeply passionate about supporting women and children affected by domestic violence, and/or addiction. One organization close to my heart is Hushabye Nursery in Arizona, which provides recovery for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) for infants and families. Their nurturing approach has demonstrated remarkable outcomes that exceed those in traditional hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICU), and it is humbling to support organizations that make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable families.

Like many others in my field, I see two major factors shaping the landscape right now: the integration and transformative impact of artificial intelligence, and the ongoing economic recovery from the disruptions caused by the 2020 government shutdown. Both present significant challenges—but also tremendous opportunities for innovation and resilience.

Honesty, humility, and heart are the values that guide me in every aspect of life—professionally and personally. They keep me grounded, focused, and committed to building meaningful connections. My educational journey, which includes a BA in Accounting, a minor in Economics, and participation in the Ascend program at the University of Washington (where I now have the privilege of coaching), shaped my leadership approach. I also earned a Certificate of Excellence for entrepreneurs from Rutgers, and my leadership foundation was built through 20 years of ministry work—an experience that taught me the transformative power of authentic relationships, a lesson I carry into every endeavor.

Outside of work, my happiest moments are spent near the ocean or in the snow. The ocean connects me to my roots in Kauai, while snow brings a childlike joy—its beauty, peace, and fun have been part of countless family vacations to destinations like Whistler, Park City, and Jackson Hole. These experiences, along with my core values, shape who I am and how I engage with my community. Honesty sets clear expectations and builds trust. Humility fosters openness to learning, a balanced view of self, and a heart of service. And heart? That’s the essence of relational connection and awareness of others’ needs. In the end, this all tugs me toward servant leadership.