WOMEN TO WATCH
2016

JENNIFER RAGSDALE

VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
COMMUNICATIONS SALES & LEASING, INC.

I fell into the world of HR when someone took a chance on me. I worked relentlessly to prove he made the right decision, and that drive has motivated me throughout my career. I currently oversee the HR strategy and all of the people functions of CS&L. We are the first-of-its-kind REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) focused on acquiring and building mission-critical infrastructure in key telecom real estate asset classes. In other words, we support the exploding demand for wireless data such as your Netflix addiction.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

BEST CAREER MOMENT SO FAR:

There will be a six-month overlap when I will serve as president of both the Central Arkansas HR Association and UCA’s Alumni Board of Directors. Juggling that, along with my day job, will probably take the cake.

HOW DID YOU KNOW THIS IS WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO?

I love internal clients! People throw around the term HR so much that they don’t stop to appreciate what it entails. My job revolves around what I consider to be the most important resource a company has: its humans.

BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED:

Admitting your mistakes proves that you can be trusted.

I WISH I KNEW HOW TO:

Hug. I’ve never been much of a hugger, but a mission trip to Guatemala showed me the power of a hug, especially when you can’t communicate vocally. Since then I’ve been practicing (which sounds as awkward as it actually is).

IF YOU COULD LUNCH WITH ANY WOMAN, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER?

Mary Magdalene. I’d ask her what it was like to be one of the first strong, visionary women who spoke her mind in a patriarchal world. I’d let her order the wine because she’s had the good stuff.

MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB:

I’m lucky to work for an organization that understands HR as a strategic business function. Collaborating with some of Little Rock’s best and brightest makes work incredibly rewarding and feels like I’m conquering the world.

HOW YOU DEFINE SUCCESS:

Of course I love earthly success but I try to keep my eyes focused on my eternal success. When my day comes and my highlight reel is played, I hope I’m remembered for the things that matter most.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL?

My friend lost her husband last year and has been mommy to two small boys in the midst of that grief. Yet, when you have a problem, she carries the weight of it with you. Her selflessness is inspiring.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

NEIGHBORHOOD:

Park Hill

HOMETOWN:

Springdale

LAST GOOD READ:

“Forgotten God,” by Francis Chan

FAVORITE FOOD:

Buffalo wings

FAVORITE LUNCH SPOT:

The Fold

FIRST THING YOU DO AT THE OFFICE:

Check our stock price

LATEST SPLURGE:

Trip with my mom for her 50th birthday

THINGS YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK:

Travel and cook

DREAM VACATION:

Greece

FAVORITE SONG:

“Fall Afresh,” by Jeremy Riddle

SPONSORS