Embracing Career Reentry: Insights from Retired Tech Executive, Jennifer P. Howland

The Caring Economy with Toby Usnik

Jennifer P. Howland, is recognized in the industry as an expert in leading large, global development teams, developing and progressing diverse technical talent, developing career reentry programs, unconscious bias training and career development, having been a frequent speaker at many notable conferences.

As the former Managing Director at iRelaunch, the pioneering company in the career reentry space, she co-led the iRelaunch consulting practice and co-led the STEM Reentry Task Force with the Society of Women Engineers. Prior to joining iRelaunch, Jennifer spent 35 fulfilling years as an engineer, manager and executive spanning engineering, strategy, product and services development, business and process transformation, service delivery and technical talent development - where she created and expanded IBM’s successful Tech Re-Entry program. Her last role at IBM was executive of IBM’s Pathways Program for experienced, diverse technical talent, a worldwide program to develop and implement bold actions to increase the representation of women and under-represented minorities in IBM’s technical executive positions. Through her numerous management and executive level roles in male-dominated environments she has always been passionate about helping women advance their careers.

Jennifer has been recognized for her efforts on behalf of women and women in engineering. Accolades include the 2017 Good Housekeeping “10 Women Changing the Way We See the World” award for leadership in science and technology, the 2018 Hudson Valley Magazine “Women in Business” leadership award, the 2019 Society of Women Engineer’s “Advocating Women in Engineering” award, and the 2020 Clarkson University Golden Knight award, Clarkson’s most prestigious alumni award.

Jennifer earned her B.S. in electrical and computer engineering from Clarkson University and an M.S. in manufacturing systems engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.