Meet Jill
The woman profiled today I met at an event about a year ago. We have been Instagram friends ever since. I admire her style and her zest for advocacy. So meet Jill. And here is a little reminder just in case you missed profiles of the amazing women in this series you can see what you missed here.
Tell me a little bit about you.
My name is Jill and I am an attorney. I work for my county supporting women, children and the elderly. I am married to an attorney we have 3 children, 2 teenagers, and 1 toddler. I love yoga and the small town I am from. I attended a small private university to receive all of my degrees, trust management, MBA and JD.
What struggles have you faced in your business?
In my career, I have struggled to make a name for myself. I find it hard for a woman to find a balance between being a witch with a b and being too nice.
How have you overcome those struggles?
As I have gotten older I have realized that the only thing I can do is be myself. Some people are going to think I am too mean and others will think I am too nice. At the end of the day it what I think of myself that matters so I follow my own internal compass. I have been so lucky to have many supportive woman role models in my life. While most of my friends were being pressured to marry my family helped me pursue multiple degrees. My grandmothers never asked “when I was going to get married”, that was never their priority. They wanted me to find a career and be successful on my own. I realize now how lucky and unique my experience has been. Not to infer that there is anything wrong with marriage but that was never a priority. I was married at a much older age than most of my friends and am so happy I never felt that was abnormal.
Who were your mentors growing up?
My grandmother worked as an admin for a doctors association when no women worked. My mom had a successful multistate sales region with Walmart as a client. I was surrounded by strong entrepreneurial women and I never knew anything different.
Have you found that being a woman in your field is harder or easier? Tell me about the advantages and disadvantages of being a woman.
I think being a woman allows me to have a unique perspective, especially in my current job. I am able to be compassionate and understanding in ways most men could not. Sometimes I do feel discounted but I try to focus on the positives and add value where I can. Usually, when I am calm and steady my value is recognized. I feel so lucky to have ended up in my current role. It isn’t a job I really knew existed but I feel uniquely qualified to fill this position. Almost as though it was meant to be.
Anything else you would care to share.
My advice to anyone would be to know who you are! To be strong and confident in that knowledge. There’s no need to scream yell or stomp to get people to see your value. Remain calm and true to yourself and the ones who matter will recognize your value as well.
You can find Jill on Instagram
Attorney. Dressing for the job:: I want = boss babe
