Buffalo Boss Babe: Jenna Cline
We are so excited to kick off our first STEM Tuesday Buffalo Boss Babe feature! Our first STEM Boss is Jenna Cline, a User Experience Researcher at a local tech company. In this male-dominated field, Jenna has been able to find her voice and push through for recognition. Jenna is an exemplary Boss Babe, a strong woman empowering other women. Read below for her challenges, accomplishments, and to see how she gives back.
Photo BY Jennifer Hanicki
What made you start or brought you to where you are today? Tell us your story and what makes you a Buffalo Boss Babe.
From an early age, I dreamt of being a nurse or radiologist and I was hooked on anything that had to do with human anatomy. I decided to take a job as a Phlebotomist to get my foot in the door before going back to school. I worked in the field for almost three years before I came to terms that the medical field just wasn’t for me. After a lot of soul searching and research, I decided to go back to school for interactive media and graphic design. I enjoyed the HTML/CSS class I took in high school and have always considered myself creative. It was scary going back to school not knowing where I would end up, but it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Currently I’m a User Experience (UX) Researcher for Liazon, a local progressive tech company. I work with some really incredible people and have learned so much over the past few years. I’m also an Organizer for Girl Develop It Buffalo, a nonprofit that provides affordable programs for adult women (and men) interested in web and software development.
Photo BY Jennifer Hanicki
Have you experienced any challenges from being in a STEM career? If so, what did you learn from them?
One of the challenges of working in STEM is that it’s male dominated, and it can be hard to work in a culture that is based around men. Because of this, it can sometimes be hard to get your voice across or be recognized for your ideas. It can be helpful to have a male (or female!) advocate in your corner to support you during these times. I think empowering women to share their opinions and ideas in the workplace can provide a unique perspective that may have otherwise been missed or overlooked.
What does being a Buffalo Boss Babe mean to you?
Empowering women to pursue their dreams, being an advocate for inclusion and diversity, giving back and volunteering within my community, and never stop moving forward.
Who are your favorite people to follow?
Buffalo Indie Weddings because I recently got engaged! National Park Geek because I am always thinking about where I want to travel and hike next. And of course, Cats of Instagram because I’m a crazy cat lady.
What are your favorite things to do in the area (Buffalo and greater WNY)?
I love anything outdoors – when it’s not snowing. Right now, I’m really into biking. I recently got a spin bike and a new road bike. Hiking and camping are also big on my list of favorites. I am always looking for fun new things to do. I just signed up for a yoga class that is being held at the zoo! How cool is that?
Tell me about your favorite collaborations or a dream collaboration?
I taught my first UX Design class with Girl Develop It a few months ago. It got me out of my comfort zone and was a great learning experience. I’m excited to teach more classes with them in the future.
If you could have coffee with anyone in the world who would it be?
Neil Young. I grew up listening to his music with my dad. I saw him live last year at Farm Aid on my birthday. It was incredible. He is an outspoken advocate for environmental issues and the welfare of small farmers – something we can all get behind.
Photo BY Jennifer Hanicki
What are your hopes, dreams, goals? Big or Small.
My main goal for the next few years is buying a nice plot of land somewhere where we can either build or renovate a house into our dream home. I hope to expand my career in UX and see where it takes me. I would like to travel and hike more national parks. I also really want a puppy, but it’s not in the cards right now.
Tell us about your family?
Fiancée of the most amazing hardworking man, Bret, and cat mom to Meera (aka Noodle).
Feel Good Five :)
Color: Green
Food: Bison Chip Dip
Super Power: Shapeshifting
Animal: Giraffe
Season of the year: Spring, Summer and Fall
Favorite thing about Buffalo: The food!
Congrats on your new engagement Jenna! You can keep up-to-date on Jenna’s engagement and beautiful hiking trips on instagram @jennacline_ . You can also find upcoming Girl Develop It courses here: https://www.girldevelopit.com/chapters/buffalo
Until next time babes!
-Emmily!!!
Buffalo Boss Babes is a woman run blog series featuring women in and around the city of Buffalo N.Y.
If you know someone doing amazing things for our community, past and present, young and old..... send us a message at buffalobossbabes@gmail.com
Be kind to everyone you meet.
Here's to strong women! May we know them. May we be them
