JENNIFER DODSON

“I am most passionate about leaving things better than how I found them,” says Jennifer Dodson. “I fundamentally believe that one person can make a big difference.” As the Director of Customer Sustainability at PPG, Jennifer finds herself in a position to constantly make a difference in the lives of people every day. “In my role, we’re doing things that are better for the planet and for people. My work impacts how we live, the air we breathe, and the food we get from the land…for generations. It’s extremely gratifying to have a job that significant in scope.”

While Jennifer loves that aspect of her job, it’s the mentorship that means the most. Jennifer encourages other females—in the same way that her own personal mentors gave her the knowledge and inspiration to succeed. “I take my role as female mentor and advocate very seriously. I have had the great pleasure of co-chairing PPG’s Women’s Leadership and Employee Resource Network (ERN) for several years. I love to help other women gain more clarity on their career options and identify how they can maximize their personal development opportunities.”

Through her company’s ERN, Jennifer was introduced to Dress for Success, a United Way partner agency. Dress for Succes empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire, a network of support, and by developing skills needed to thrive in work and in life. “I was so moved by the purpose of Dress for Success, that I served as the Dress for Success board president and learned so much more about United Way in the process,” says Jennifer.

Today, Jennifer co-chairs the Workplace Leadership Team of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council (WLC). This committee identifies ways to increase WLC membership and donations to United Way. “This work with WLC hits on my personal passion to support women and my desire to support our neighbors in need. And, I get to do it alongside 2,200 insanely amazing women.”

When she’s not helping elevate women, the Indiana University graduate can be found cooking up a great meal in her kitchen. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, their daughter, and her 3 pets

When asked what she would tell anyone who might be on the fence about joining WLC, Jennifer was quick to respond that it’s the people. “You walk into a room of strangers and instantly you are embraced by fellow WLC members. Immediately you are no longer strangers, you are among friends. The best part is that we all share the same sensibilities and passion about making our community stronger,” she says.

To learn more about United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, contact Lynne Popash at lynne.popash@unitedwayswpa.org in Allegheny County, Terri Dominick at Terri.Dominick@unitedwayswpa.org in Westmoreland County, or Sherrie Dunlap Gallagher at sherrie.dunlapgallagher@unitedwayswpa.org in Butler County.