Program
Organizational Leadership & Technical Management
Organizational Leadership & Technical Management
Jennifer Fiala
My Portfolio
Inspiring Growth. Empowering Success. Leading with Empathy.
Advocate • Mentor • Community Leader
I am a collaborative and people-centered leader who values inclusivity, trust, and growth. I am passionate about creating environments where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. Through my background in organizational leadership, caregiving, and mentorship, I bring empathy, clear communication, and a strong commitment to helping others succeed. I believe effective leadership is not just about guiding teams, but about uplifting others and creating meaningful, lasting impact.
Table of Contents
Navigate Jennifer’s Portfolio
About Me
Leading with Empathy, Purpose, and Service
I am someone who cares deeply about helping others feel supported, valued, and encouraged. My experiences in the OLTM program, along with my work in caregiving, mentorship, and community involvement, have helped me grow into a more confident and thoughtful leader. I believe meaningful leadership is built on empathy, trust, and the willingness to keep learning.
Academic Goal
Complete a BAS in Organizational Leadership & Technical Management in 2026.
Career Focus
Expand access to essential resources for individuals with disabilities.
Leadership Style
Create inclusive spaces where team members feel heard, valued, and supported.
Education
Academic Background
Bachelor of Applied Science, BAS-OLTM - Organizational Leadership & Technical Management
Lower Columbia College
Focused on leadership, strategy, collaboration, and inclusive organizational growth.
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Administration
Lower Columbia College
Built strong administrative, communication, and healthcare systems knowledge.
Work Experience
Professional Journey
September 22, 2023 - Present
Career & Technical Scholar Lead & Mentor
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS)
Serve as a peer mentor to 200+ college students, helping Scholars to navigate academic and professional resources, supporting them in college and WSOS processes, sharing opportunities, and building a sense of community.
May 13, 2018 - Present
Home Care Aid
Public Partnerships
Support quadriplegic patients with daily living activities, physical care, emotional well-being, and greater independence in the home environment.
March 2014 - April 2018
Restaurant Manager
Picasso
Oversaw day-to-day operations, led a team of approximately 15 employees, managed hiring and training, and improved workflow, service quality, and inventory control.
Skills & Competencies
Strengths That Support Impact
A focused blend of interpersonal, administrative, analytical, and systems-based strengths.
Core strengths
Professional competencies built for meaningful work.
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Equity & Inclusion
- Time Management
- Organization
- Strong Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
- Office Administration
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Health Information Systems
- Ability to Multitask and Manage Multiple Projects
Leadership
Leadership Philosophy & Experience
Leadership Philosophy
Leading with Compassion, Purpose, and Humility
Leadership Skills
Core Strengths
- Clear Communication
- Adaptability
- Emotional Intelligence
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Resilience
Leadership Experience
Applied Leadership
- Mentoring Scholars
- LCC Group Projects
- Restaurant Manager
- Volunteer Work
- Business Entrepreneurship
Resume
Professional Documents
References and Recommendations
Professional References & Supporting Letters
References
Aaliyah Hänni
Web Developer • Kelso Youth Soccer Camp
Connection: Collaborators for Kelso Youth Soccer
Aaliyah Hänni collaborated with me as the web developer for a soccer camp website, where I served as the project liaison and coordinated all aspects of the camp and site development. She can speak to my organizational skills, coordination abilities, and leadership in managing cross-functional projects.
Jessica Vilai
Career & Technical Scholarship Advisor • Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Connection: Advisor and supervisor
Jessica Vilai oversees my work as a Career & Technical Scholar Lead with Washington State Opportunity Scholarship and can speak to my leadership, communication, and program involvement.
Cathy Reynolds
Bookkeeper • Bjore Bookkeeping
Connection: Collaborators for Cowlitz Youth Soccer Association
I worked closely with Cathy Reynolds while volunteering as Treasurer for Cowlitz Youth Soccer Association, where she mentored me and supported my development in managing financial tasks and organizational responsibilities.
Mark Gaither
Advisor & Instructor • Lower Columbia College
Connection: Instructor, academic advisor, and Rotaract Club advisor at Lower Columbia College
Mark Gaither was my advisor and instructor during my associate degree program at Lower Columbia College. His mentorship was instrumental in shaping my academic and professional path.
Kathryn Harlan
Advisor & Instructor • Lower Columbia College
Connection: Instructor and academic advisor
Letters of Recommendation
Recommendation Letter
Aaliyah Hänni • Collaborators for Kelso Youth Soccer
Open Recommendation PDFRecommendation Letter
Jessica Vilai • Advisor for Washington State Opportunity Scholarship
Open Recommendation PDFRecommendation Letter
Kathryn Harlan
Open Recommendation PDFAcademic Projects & Work Samples
Portfolio Highlights
Project 01
Capstone Project OLTM 495: Capstone
This capstone project represents the culmination of my OLTM journey and brings together my digital portfolio, leadership challenge, and service project. Through my work as a Career and Technical Scholar Lead and mentor to over 200 college students, I applied leadership concepts I learned throughout the program. It shows my growth from an introverted leader who struggled with patience and cross-cultural communication into someone who leads with empathy, adaptability, and purpose. It reflects how I learned to support others more effectively while also strengthening my own confidence and leadership identity.
Project 02
Progressive Journal OLTM 335: Developing and Leading High Performance Teams
This progressive journal documents my growth as a collaborative leader throughout the Developing and Leading High Performance Teams course. It is an important artifact because it reflects my ability to create inclusive team environments, communicate consistently, and work toward shared goals while continuing to develop as a leader. One of the reasons I value this artifact is that it shows both my strengths, such as organization, empathy, and goal orientation. It also shows the areas where I can continue to grow, including patience, sharing leadership more intentionally, and addressing conflict more directly. It is an important reminder that effective leadership is not about doing everything yourself, but about creating space for others to contribute and succeed.
Project 03
Leadership Portfolio OLTM 325: Transformational Leadership and Decision-Making
This leadership portfolio presents my personal leadership philosophy and reflects how my understanding of leadership has evolved through the OLTM program. In this portfolio, I explain that leadership is not about authority or control, but about empowering others, building trust, creating an inclusive environment, and helping others reach their full potential. I am highlighting this artifact because it shows the foundation of my leadership identity and demonstrates the values that continue to guide me as a leader.
Project 04
Workforce Communication Assessment CMST 330: Organizational Communication
This workforce communication assessment examines the communication practices within the Cowlitz Youth Soccer Association and identifies opportunities for improvement. In the assessment, I analyzed the organization's communication structure, culture, stakeholder relationships, and communication challenges. I then developed recommendations to support clearer, more transparent, and more inclusive communication. This artifact is important to me because it shows my ability to evaluate communication in a real organization and apply course concepts to improve the way people connect, share information, and work together.
Project 05
Shark Tank CMST 230: Small Group Communication
My Shark Tank project is an important artifact because it shows how communication, structure, and teamwork are crucial in helping a group achieve a common goal. In this project, my team quickly established roles, set communication norms, and worked together to complete the assignment ahead of schedule. I served as the coordinator, which allowed me to use my organizational skills to keep the team focused and on track.
Project 06
Self-Reflection Essay OLTM 450: Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution
This self-reflection essay shows my growth in negotiation, conflict resolution, and leadership. It shows how I moved from avoiding conflict to approaching difficult conversations with more clarity, confidence, and intention.
I chose this artifact because it represents one of the most meaningful areas of growth in my OLTM journey. Through this course, I learned that negotiation and conflict resolution are not just formal skills. They are part of leadership, teamwork, and everyday relationships. This essay shows how I began to recognize my strengths, address my challenges, and become more confident in handling conflict in a healthy, productive way.
Blog
Articles, Reflections, and Updates
2026-05-23 • BAS-OLTM Reflection
My Experience in the LCC BAS-OLTM Program
Pursuing my Bachelor of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership and Technical Management at Lower Columbia College has been a meaningful part of my personal and professional growth.
Read Full PostAwards & Accomplishments
Recognition, Milestones, and Impact
Awards
Honors & Recognition
- President's List
- Fall 2022 - Spring 2026
Accomplishments
Milestones and Impact
Mentor and support over 200 college scholars through WSOS.
Led teams and operations in both nonprofit and business environments.
Advanced academic goals while balancing leadership, service, family, and professional responsibilities.
Advocated for equitable access to essential resources and inclusive support systems.
Clubs, Affiliations, & Volunteer Work
Service-Centered Leadership
2020 - 2024
Cowlitz Youth Soccer Association
Treasurer
Served as treasurer in Longview, Washington, helping support youth athletics and community engagement.
2020 - 2024
Kelso Youth Soccer Club
Treasurer
Managed financial responsibilities and supported local youth soccer programming in Kelso, Washington.
2022 - 2024
Lower Columbia College Rotaract Club
Member / Secretary
Supported service projects, student leadership, and community outreach efforts.
2023 - Present
Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS)
Scholar-Leader
Support scholars in navigating college and WSOS processes, collaborate with staff and leads to find resources, assist scholars in connecting with academic and community support, provide quarterly opportunities, and help create a strong scholar community.
2024 - Present
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
Judge
Volunteer judge supporting student achievement and leadership development.
2023
Northwest Athletic Conference
Volunteer
Contributed volunteer support for athletic and community events.
Certifications
Credentials and Training
Mental Health First Aid
Home Care Aid
Community Health Worker
Basic Life Support
Trauma Informed Care
Valid Driver’s License
10-Key Data Entry
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams, & Outlook)
Career Planning
Career Goals and Direction
Target Career Field
Community-Based Support Services I am pursuing a career in human services, with a focus on case management and community advocacy for individuals with disabilities
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree
Human Services Experience
Background Check
Strong Communication, Advocacy, and Resource Navigation Skills
Potential Employers
Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington
Cowlitz County Department of Health & Human Services
Short-Term Career Plan (1-3 Years)
In the next 1-3 years, I plan to work in community-based services, supporting individuals with disabilities by connecting them to resources and advocating for their needs. During this time, I hope to gain hands-on experience in case management, client support, and community outreach.
- Obtain a job in community-based support services or disability services
- Build 1-3 years of experience in client support and advocacy
- Strengthen skills in resource navigation and community outreach
Long-Term Career Plan (5-10 Years)
In 5-10 years, I plan to move into a leadership role in human services, where I can manage case managers or coordinate programs that support individuals with disabilities. I want to use my Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership & Technical Management to improve services and strengthen community programs.
- Develop expertise in disability advocacy and resource coordination
- Contribute to program development for an agency serving individuals with disabilities
- Manage and mentor case managers to improve team performance and client outcomes
Contact Info
Let’s Connect
Jennifer is passionate about leadership, access, advocacy, and creating positive change. Reach out for networking, collaboration, or future opportunities.