Manager, Commercial Application Services, IBM; Atlanta, GA
Children: Alyssa, 18; Ashley, 16 ♦ Husband: Andrew Roxburgh

Why We Love Her
Jennifer is one of those rare people whom others can always count on. She’s there when her younger daughter gets off the school bus, thanks to her flex schedule at IBM. She shows up for church events, hammers away for Habitat for Humanity and organizes community service projects. The friend who nominated her for this award tells us, “Whether Jennifer is sitting up all night with me at the hospital with a sick child, picking up my other child at school or making cookies for her neighbors, she’s a true gift to those she knows.”

Q: What’s your best advice for a new mom returning to work?
 
A: Keep focused on the big picture as there are going to be days that it is not going to seem worth it. You simply can’t do it all.
 
Q: What’s your biggest working mom confession?
 
A: I had to travel out of state for work on my youngest daughter’s birthday several years back. It’s been several years and I still remember it! Guilt is something that is an easy trap for us as mothers, and can really drag us down! Make sure you stick with the friends and family that support you!
 
Q: What’s your best tip for keeping your home life running smoothly?
 
A: Keep a sense of humor and a color-coded calendar. Keeping the focus on what is important: God, family, friends, work will keep things running as smoothly as they can. If you expect bumps along the way, then you won’t be disappointed!