At ACW, we know that belonging isn’t built through a single initiative or a single conversation. It’s created over time, through listening, learning, sharing our experiences and making space for one another to show up authentically.
That’s why we’re launching Belonging in Action, a storytelling series designed to elevate the voices of our members and explore the many experiences that shape our community. Through short reflections and conversations, we’ll highlight the moments, perspectives and lessons that help us better understand one another and strengthen our sense of connection.
As June recognizes both Pride Month and Juneteenth, we’re beginning this series by exploring two themes: what it means to bring our whole selves to work and what freedom and leadership mean within our communities.
Meet Jenn Redmond (She/Her)
With over 20 years of experience in the channel, Jennifer Redmond is a seasoned professional known for excellence in operations, account management and support leadership. She has built a career centered on client satisfaction, team motivation and operational efficiency, consistently delivering high-impact results across multiple organizations. Her core strengths include leading high-performing teams, developing robust policies and procedures and implementing data-driven strategies to streamline operations.
As Chair of the ACW Communications Committee and Co-Chair of the DEI&B Committee, she brings a passion for inclusive leadership and empathetic communication. Jennifer is especially committed to fostering employee well-being and delivering top-tier enterprise client support. Her strategic mindset and people-first approach have made her a trusted leader and advocate in the channel community.
Freedom To Lead — A Juneteenth Reflection
Whose shoulders helped make your leadership possible?
Jenn: “My leadership stands on the shoulders of women and men who chose courage over comfort, opened rooms I was never invited into and made space for others to rise. I’m especially grateful for the mentors, advocates and barrier-breakers who showed me that leadership is both responsibility and service.”
What does Juneteenth inspire you to reflect on as a leader?
Jenn: “Juneteenth reminds me that leadership carries a responsibility beyond results. It requires stewardship of people. It challenges me to create access, remove unnecessary barriers and help build pathways so that others can succeed, contribute and lead in their own right.”
Who opened doors so others could walk through them?
Jenn: “I think of the quiet door-openers; those who advocate behind the scenes, make space without announcing it and guide others before they even realize they are being led. Their leadership is a reminder that impact is not always visible, but it is deeply felt and often long-lasting.”
Bring Your Whole Self to Work — A Pride Reflection
What does belonging in the channel mean to you?
Jenn: “Belonging means knowing I don’t have to edit myself to earn a seat at the table. It’s being valued for my ideas, my leadership and my contributions without feeling like parts of who I am need to stay hidden to be considered ‘professional.'”
What’s one part of yourself you’ve learned not to hide at work?
Jenn: “As a queer woman in the channel, I’ve learned that authenticity is a strength, not a distraction. Earlier in my career, I spent energy deciding which pieces of myself were ‘safe’ to share. Over time, I’ve realized that showing up honestly creates deeper connections, builds trust and gives others permission to do the same.”
What’s one thing you wish people understood about your experience in the workplace?
Jenn: “Most people simply want what all of us want: to contribute, to belong and to be respected for who we are. Small moments of inclusion matter: asking questions instead of making assumptions, creating space for different perspectives, using correct pronouns and recognizing that our differences often make our teams stronger.
For me, Pride is a reminder that belonging isn’t passive. We create it through curiosity, empathy and the choices we make every day to support one another.”
Be on the lookout for future opportunities to participate in Belonging in Action through member Q&As and storytelling features. We’d love to hear your voice and continue building a community where everyone feels seen, supported and empowered to belong.
