Job history: Jennifer joined Hitachi Rail in 2024 as director of manufacturing at the company's plant in Batesburg, South Carolina.

Why she's influential as an innovator: Jennifer has made a major impact on the Batesburg facility, which is undergoing a multiyear transformation to upgrade the 60-year-old plant into a modern, technology equipped facility.

Jennifer has sponsored Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certifications for over 50 employees; transformed the manufacturing culture to embrace the 5S strategy; and has pushed for change management training for plant leaders. She fosters a growth mindset and allows her team to work on issues open and honestly. Her work expands to the local community, as well. Within her first few months with Hitachi Rail, the community was hit by a devastating hurricane. Jennifer led an effort to organize two days of handing out meals and water to those affected.