ALUMNI PROFILE


Photo credit to Josh L. Smith B.S. Finance ’02 VARANESE Jennifer Every day brings with it a


different challenge and a new opportunity. I love my work and the people I encounter, inside and out of the office.


What is the foundation for a successful career as a business executive and the inspiration to serve clients and the community? The answer for Franklin alumna Jennifer Varanese is simple. Family.


The youngest of 10 children, Jennifer credits much of her success to the example of her mother.


“I know this is probably cliché, but my mother has had a huge impact on my life and it’s because of her that I am the person I am today.”


There’s also the support of her siblings, especially her six sisters, of whom Jennifer says, “We have a bond like no other.” In fact, it was the advice of one of her sisters that brought Jennifer to Franklin.


Upon graduating from high school Jennifer found her initial college experience overwhelming. That’s when her sister recommended she consider Franklin. “With my sister already having taken a few courses at Franklin, I knew it wasn’t going to be a bad experience, but what I found was not what I expected. For me, it was more like a family; it was the perfect fit.”


Now an executive vice president at Willis of Ohio, Jennifer has put her education to good use, assisting clients with their insurance and benefit needs. As Jennifer commented “Every day brings with it a different challenge and a


new opportunity. I love my work and the people I encounter, inside and out of the office.” That passion for her clients was recently rewarded when Jennifer was named one of Columbus Business First’s “Forty under 40” awardees for 2014.


But for Jennifer, success is about more than just providing a good product to her clients. Her mother was the first woman elected to the post of Geauga County (Ohio) Treasurer, and instilled in each of her children the importance of service to the community. That’s why Jennifer hopes to set an example for her family, friends and colleagues. “With so many blessings, I believe it’s important to give back. Throughout the year, you can find Jennifer volunteering for the Upper Arlington (Ohio) Arts Commission, United Way, Mid-Ohio Foodbank and Ronald McDonald House.


“At the end of the day, it all comes back to the people who matter most. I am very fortunate to have a devoted father to my three beautiful boys”, Jennifer reflects. “I have a great family as my support system to help keep me grounded. They keep me focused on what’s important in life and remind me exactly why I do what I do.”


14. | Clocktower 2015 | alumni.franklin.edu


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