Jennifer Stein-Shattering the glass ceiling

Jen Stein

Shattering the glass ceiling and inspiring others along the way

By Allison Mintz

JENNIFER STEIN

UP FRONT

Jennifer Stein was recently named the new Economic Development Director for the City of Peoria. Over the past eight years, Stein has made a name for herself as a leader and deal-maker. She has been instrumental in securing businesses and restaurants into Peoria, and this is just the beginning of what she hopes to accomplish. Stein has lofty goals in expanding and improving the economic market in Peoria. She is currently working on attracting high quality jobs, supporting small businesses, and working on redeveloping Old Town Peoria. Through her leadership and vision, Stein hopes to build on the current economic infrastructure while developing and expanding the opportunities in Peoria. Stein has a passion for what she does and is so inspiring, “I was taught by my parents to do what you love, and to always love what you do. I absolutely love what I am doing.”

Stein graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Relations from Northern Arizona University (NAU). While at NAU, Stein was a student ambassador and led prospective students and families on tours of the campus. “It was working as a student ambassador, this is where I really developed my love for public relations. I was genuinely sharing my thoughts about Flagstaff and the campus, I was authentic and the feedback I got back from families that their student wanted to attend because of the creative way I shared the information was so inspiring”

Stein said, “this experience helped to guide my path.”

Stein has focused her professional opportunities over the past 20 years in both government and private sectors. She has always shown her determination and her persistence in her professional career. As Stein shared, “I am always genuine and authentic, and I can only represent companies, cities, and products that I truly believe in. I have to fundamentally see the value, understand it, believe it before I can promote it and be a part of it.” Stein was instrumental in managing the marketing and media for the 2008 Super Bowl, as well as handling the marketing for the Fiesta Bowl and BCS Championship games. Stein shared that she has always felt that every career leads you to a new pathway. As she said, “I am all about the vision. You see it, you create the vision, you make it happen. I am a true optimist.”

Stein is a trailblazer and understands the challenges facing the state and she is looking to make an impact. Her passion and love for the City of Peoria was so inspiring and motivating. She has a strong desire to elevate and lead people to the next level. As she said, “the City of Peoria is a well run city and they care passionately about their their citizens.” She is dedicated to continue building the tourism in the area and bring high quality jobs to the area. As Stein said, “the City of Peoria is evolving and continuing to grow. We have the opportunity to do so many wonderful and exciting things.”

Stein and her husband Aaron have been married since 2003. They have two amazing children who are 13 and 16. Her love for her children is so apparent. As she said, “I am doing this for my children. I want them to see that when you are passionate and work hard that you can accomplish anything.

Being Jewish has always been an important part in Stein’s life. She was active with Beth Israel Synagogue growing up where she participated in youth groups, B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO), and B’nai B’rith Girls (BBG). As Stein said, “Being Jewish has always been important to me. I met my husband through BBG and have always been entrenched in the culture and was always around the Jewish traditions. Both of her children have been B’nei mitzvah. Stein said, “I volunteered on the education team planning events, I was part of mitzvah maker where we volunteered packing boxes for the food bank. I think it is important to give back and be connected. As my grandfather would always say, the foundations of our soul is our religion. I always promised that I would not lose site of where I came from and my culture.”

Stein shared that finding the work/life balance is difficult, but can be managed. “I can always do better, but you have to make the time for your family and yourself. You figure it out and set the time and even schedule the time on the calendar. You have to make sure that you’re working hard to balance those things that are important.” One point Stein made that really stood out was a golf analogy her son told her. “out of balance, out of control. In balance, in control. Balance is there, you always have to make that effort to make it happen.”

Stein has shown that through hard work and determination that you can accomplish anything. Her story is an inspiration for all, especially for young women. “I’m doing this for my daughter. I would dedicate this story to my daughter. Girls need to see this, they need to know that if their mom’s can do it, they can do it. There is still that notion that women face where they question, can I be a mom and work? Yes, they can do it, they can have productive lives and balance it all.”

Jen Stein with her family.

Jen Stein with Peoria Mayor Cathy Carloat and Senator Mark Kelly

“Being Jewish has always been important to me. I met my husband through BBG and have always been entrenched in the culture and was always around the Jewish traditions."

~ Jennifer Stein