TRI Be Yourself Spotlight: Meet Jen Cohen

It is International Women’s Day, a global day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.

This International Women’s Day, we are excited to feature our newly minted Chief Information Officer, Jen Cohen, for our next TRI Be Yourself Spotlight.  

Jen Cohen

What do you do at TRI?

As Vice President of Core Operations Research and Engineering, I lead technology teams that enable and advance both technology solutions and innovation across TRI and Toyota.

I am proud to say that I was also recently promoted to Chief Information Officer. I am truly honored to occupy a C-level management position and serve as an example to others that women can be in a position of power because there are so few of us.  

What do you love most about what you do?

I love seeing and supporting the growth of our team members. There is tremendous talent at TRI and I love seeing team members stretch, grow, and contribute to world-changing ideas. I also enjoy finding strategic technical solutions and leveraging our team’s unique ability to bring forth cutting-edge ideas and tech in support of both research and enterprise.  

March 8th is International Women’s Day, which celebrates the achievements women made throughout history. What does this day mean to you?

I am supportive and try to be an ally across this space. As a woman in tech, who has been “the only” many times, it is a chance to celebrate our success, encourage women, especially those earlier in their career, to grow and to continue their journey. It also reaffirms my commitment to equality for women. I am active in this space within TRI and outside of TRI. I am passionate about uplifting women, being a fierce advocate for other women, and am supportive of efforts such as 50/50 Women on Boards.

Who are some women who have influenced your life?

My mom was the first woman controller of a large international firm in the late 1980s. She inspired and taught me that I could do and be anything. There are so many other women who have paved the way for me in many ways, like Gloria Steinem and current inspirations like Ursula Burn. I am extremely grateful both for these women and for ones who are current inspirations in my life: Jennifer Kenny, Founder of 100% Capacity, and Julie Castro Abrams, CEO & Chair of How Women Lead.

What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?

My advice is to embrace your brightest, most expansive version of yourself. Oftentimes, girls and women are taught to diminish themselves. It has taken me a long time, but I am learning not to make myself smaller but rather to stretch into who I am. And I hope you find that journey sooner than I did because there is plenty of room for you! I was lucky enough to have good mentors who encouraged me to be the fullest possible version of myself. I try to pay that forward and I encourage you to do the same. 

And finally, do the work — whether that is your work at work or in your personal growth. Doing the work is the foundation we build upon — investing in yourself and your personal growth always pays dividends. 

What do you like to do for fun?

I like ballroom dancing with my husband, occasional rock climbing, and hiking, especially in the Marin region of the Bay Area. I also enjoy watching or reading cheesy sci-fi with a good cup of tea.