BCS Associate Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reed was honored this morning at the WomanUP Awards, presented by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. The program celebrates leadership and mentorship by inspirational women in our area.
Dr. Reed was named Woman Executive of the Year for her impactful contributions to students and teammates within the Buncombe County Schools system. The event highlighted her work preparing students for future success by advancing workforce development programs, and for leadership in community organizations including the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County and the YMCA of WNC.
In accepting her award, Dr. Reed spoke of the influence of “Trust and Inspire” by renowned author Stephen Covey. Several members of the BCS leadership team recently concluded a study of the book’s lessons.
“When school leaders create an environment where educators feel trusted and inspired, they are more likely to ignite a passion for learning in their students,” Dr. Reed shared. “This trust creates a ripple effect throughout our schools, inspiring students to excel. Each inspiring act can transform not just an individual classroom, but an entire school community, ultimately impacting the future of our community and our society at large.”
She explained how that philosophy creates a ripple effect and shared examples from the last five weeks of hurricane recovery in our area.
“From a bilingual 5th grade student serving as a Spanish interpreter to bus drivers shuttling families to safety in the middle of the storm, I couldn't be more proud of the work that our school system has done to serve each other during this time of need. As I consider the impact of public schools on our students, I see a bright future where students build resilience, think critically, embrace empathy, and serve communities.”
Dr. Reed’s family and many of her BCS teammates attended the ceremony to celebrate her achievements.
