Name: Jennifer Ickes
Company or Organization: Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School
What is your job or role there? Director of Development
Where do you live? Dowagiac, MI
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
To me, bold women in business start by stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing uncertainty. They trust their instincts and aren’t easily swayed by doubt or criticism. They take risks, try new ideas, and learn from every challenge that comes their way. They’re resilient, turning setbacks into growth and showing up each day with confidence and gratitude. Bold women look for reasons something will work instead of excuses for why it won’t. They build community instead of competition. They lead with both strength and heart, understanding that true impact comes from authenticity, integrity, and persistence.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. What top three would say most exemplify your personality?
Courageous
Intrepid
Strong
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
I was at my very best during the launch of our first annual St. Joseph Turkey Trot 5K. The idea was brought to me by my co-chair, Sara, who shared a vision for creating a community tradition that would benefit our school and local families. Together, we built it from the ground up with no roadmap, only determination, creativity, and a shared belief that we could make it happen. I took the lead on managing sponsorships, coordinating volunteers, and promoting the event. Sara and I worked side by side, troubleshooting every detail until race day, when we watched hundreds of runners and families fill the streets on Thanksgiving morning. That moment reminded me that bold action is not about having all the answers. It is about having faith in your mission, trusting your instincts, and surrounding yourself with people who believe in the vision as much as you do.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
During the planning of our first Turkey Trot fundraiser, I ordered what I thought was a simple inflatable turkey to mark the starting line. Funds were tight, so I went with the most budget-friendly option I could find online. When it arrived, I realized I had accidentally purchased a “Donald Trump turkey,” complete with a red tie, blond comb-over, and the slogan “Make Thanksgiving Great Again.” After the initial shock, all I could do was laugh. It became the joke of the day and a great reminder that leadership requires flexibility and humor. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but if you can laugh, adapt, and keep moving forward, the outcome often ends up even better than you expected.
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
My greatest source of inspiration is my family. My husband reminds me every day that I can do anything, and his belief in me gives me the confidence to lead boldly. My children inspire me in a deeper way. They’ve watched me rise through challenges and keep moving forward, and everything I do is, in some way, for them, to show that resilience and faith can turn even the hardest chapters into something meaningful. They’re my reason to lead with heart, to keep learning, and to use whatever gifts I’ve been given to make a difference in the lives of others.
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
Lead with purpose and stay true to your values. Success is not about having all the answers; it is about showing up, doing the work, and believing in what you are building. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone or to fail, because every challenge teaches you something valuable. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, stay grateful, and define success on your own terms. Be authentic, be kind, and be bold enough to take the next step even when it feels uncomfortable. That is where real growth happens.
What does your selection to the ranks of the Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
Being selected to the ranks of the Bold Women of Business by Moody on the Market is deeply meaningful to me. It represents more than recognition; it reflects the community I am proud to serve and the purpose that drives my work each day. To me, being bold means moving forward with confidence and heart, even in uncertainty. I’m honored to be included among women who define success by the way they empower others. This honor reminds me that courage, kindness, and persistence still matter.
