While Fall is often seen as a time leading to the cold of winter, with trees shedding their leaves and days growing shorter, it can also be a season of reinvention and new beginnings. Shifting my perspective to embrace this view has made my life more meaningful. The "glass half full" concept truly can lead to great changes within our minds.

My name is Jennifer Vartanov, and I am deeply honored to be featured on the cover of this month’s Stroll Old Westbury. Being part of a publication led by a strong, smart, and determined woman is incredibly meaningful to me. Despite having so much on my plate, I constantly strive to reinvent myself, try new things, and find ways to challenge myself. As the saying goes, "If you want something done, ask a busy person."

As a mother of three, co-founder of my company Merchant Industry and a growing fintech business, and an active community volunteer, I understand the mental and physical strength required to manage it all. I firmly believe that women can achieve anything we set our minds to. Over 20 years ago, when my wonderful husband and I started our family, we had little more than each other and a strong determination. Through hard work, we built our family and multiple successful businesses, balancing the demands of both every day.

Being a woman today is no easy task. We strive to have our voices heard and secure our place at the table. Adding a career and raising a family into the mix makes it even more challenging. The saying "It takes a village" couldn’t be truer in my experience. To all my fellow women out there, it’s okay to ask for help when needed.

Being a mom will always be my top priority, but I take great pride in what I’ve accomplished over the past 20 years. Co-founding multiple businesses and achieving leadership positions has been extraordinary. My success was not handed to me but earned through determination and resilience. Each setback has provided invaluable experience to grow.

Beyond my professional life, I ran in contested elections for the Jericho Board of Education in 2021 and 2024, winning both times. This role has been incredibly fulfilling for me. It’s hard to put into words how much it means to me to give back to my community. I’ve met incredible people, forged strong relationships, and contributed to a school district that has given so much to my family and me. I am deeply grateful for the support I’ve received and am committed to serving my district with transparency and dedication.

As a trustee, I oversee a large budget and take pride in Jericho’s consistent ranking as one of the top schools. Jericho offers much more than just academics—it’s about sports, community, and cultivating outstanding students. This school is integral to the fabric of Old Westbury and Jericho consistently shines. Our community is what binds us together, and when we meet another fellow Old Westbury resident, our hearts light up because we know how special this village is. We may be small, but we are mighty, and I am always hopeful that we can continue to grow and achieve even more together.

My inner drive has been key to getting me where I am today. I can confidently say I am a natural-born leader. Through my journey, I have learned the skills necessary to run a company, manage a bustling household, and oversee a top-ranked school district. I continue to learn every day through observing, listening, and asking questions. The support which I continuously receive from my husband Leo, my three kids, and my parents are invaluable. As I write this, my mind races with ideas on how to continue reinventing myself, take on new challenges, and inspire other women to do the same.

Old Westbury, keep shining!