“Building a foundation for the next generation of leaders.” —Colleen Jennings-Roggensack
Why is honoring achievement important? How does it impact our business community?
Honoring achievement is important because success does not happen in a vacuum. When we recognize someone’s achievements, we are also recognizing the people, partnerships and communities that helped make that success possible. It is a chance to celebrate a job well done and recognize those who lead with purpose, take risks and open doors for others.
The impact of honoring achievement on our business community is that it reminds us of what we can accomplish together. When we celebrate great work, we inspire others to keep pushing forward. When we honor achievement in the arts, it also reminds us that the arts are an important part of our business community. They create jobs, bring people into our communities and create connections in a way that only the arts can. Recognition matters because it shines a light on what is possible and inspires others to keep creating, contributing and making a difference in our community.
What is the single most important thing you have learned throughout your career that would inspire others/other women?
Always follow your passion and remember that you are walking through doors other women opened for you, just as you will open doors for others. It is important to have a passion you are deeply dedicated to. A job title and salary are not what will carry you through the challenges you will face. What will sustain you is your belief in the work, your dedication to it and the passion behind it. Create a mission and vision and let them guide your actions.
What do you think we can do – now – to make a difference for young people/women in Arizona?
It is important to make it known that you are available and committed to being not only a mentor but also a true supporter. This means mentoring women across generations, backgrounds and experiences and following through on that commitment.
Mentorship is part of a continuing journey. It includes being a confidant, reviewing résumés, sharing job opportunities, serving as a reference and being available to discuss both the public aspects of their work and the private challenges of their lives.
Always be available as a mentor and supporter of women. Always make sure multiple generations of women have a seat at the table for conversation and decision-making.
In Few Words
- What was the last course, certification or training you took to improve yourself professionally? Leadership course at Stanford
- What would you say is a single characteristic OTHERS might attribute to you that defines your success? Tenacity
- What is the one thing you feel you could work on professionally to be a greater success? Listening
- What is the one professional skill you have that has gotten you where you are today? Risk-taking
- What is the single greatest issue facing Arizona today? Opportunities to fail forward
About Me
Colleen Jennings-Roggensack is the visionary artistic, fiscal and administrative leader of ASU Gammage, ASU Kerr and ASU 365 Community Union.
Her honors are testament to the diversity of her achievements: Arizona’s only Tony voter, 2023 Tony Honoree, Shelley Award from Arizona Creative Excellence, Arizona’s 48 Most Intriguing Women, City of Tempe Arts and Culture Community Impactor, 100 Black Women Education Legend, Valley Leadership Woman of the Year, World Girl Scout Leadership Award, National Society of Arts Letters Medallion of Merit, Valle del Sol’s Mom of the Year, Black Philanthropy Honor, Arizona’s Governor’s Arts Award.
