The Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and Women in Business are excited to honor Jacque Clermont of Naperville Community Unit School District 203 as a 2023 Gottfried Woman of the Quarter.
Jacque Clermont
Gottfried Woman of the Quarter Q&A
Q: Describe your business and what you do.
I am the Director of Community Relations for Naperville Community Unit School District 203. I am the business and volunteer connection for more than 2,500 employees and 16,000 students and their families. My goal is to build relationships that lead to partnerships with volunteers, businesses, and organizations willing to support authentic learning opportunities for students.
Q: What do you love most about your work?
I enjoy being in the school buildings and interacting with students and teachers. Our buildings are full of positive energy and it is the fuel that keeps me centered and encouraged to make a difference in our community.
Q: What led you down your career path?
My path has zigged and zagged. All of my career opportunities have been presented to me through networking and relationships I have built in our community.
Q: What advice do you have for other women in business?
Cheer on other women doing great things around you. They are not your competitor, they are your teammate! Build authentic relationships within your community and network. These relationships lead to friendships, favors, and potential job/career opportunities.
Q: Name someone in your life who inspires you and tell us why.
My wise daughter Lily inspires me daily. She is smart, kind, and willing to take on any challenge put in front of her. She is not afraid. She understands the struggles some groups have faced and continue to face in the world. She is an amazing human and I am privileged to have a front-row seat in her life journey.
Q: What other passions and hobbies do you have?
My passion is my family. My husband and I are raising 4 children with different needs, passions, and strengths. Parenting has been a journey worth taking. I love spending time in my garden and watching mother nature create such a beautiful space. Yoga is also the answer to many, if not all of my challenges.
Q: Aside from the Chamber, how do you stay connected within the Naperville community?
My job helps keep me connected to Naperville. My children are involved in sports so this too gets me out on the field. I joined The Rotary Club of Naperville 4 years ago as a job obligation, but it has become a part of something I will be involved in my entire life. Our community has something for everyone to get involved in. Go out and find your connection!
Gottfried Woman of the Quarter Bio
Jacque Clermont is the Director of Community Relations for Naperville Community Unit School District 203. Jacque is the business and volunteer connection for more than 2,500 employees and 16,000 students and their families. Jacque builds relationships that lead to partnerships with volunteers, businesses, and organizations willing to support authentic learning opportunities for students.
Prior to joining Naperville 203, Jacque worked with the local nonprofit organization, 360 Youth Services, spent many years working with the Naperville Park District, and started her career with the Chicago Park District. She has her Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a Masters of Public Service from DePaul University.
Jacque has a strong demonstrated history of working with communities, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations to connect resources and opportunities. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Naperville Education Foundation, Board Member for KidsMatter, past Special Events & Cultural Amenities (SECA) Commissioner for the City of Naperville, and is the President-Elect for The Rotary Club of Naperville.
Jacque has been a Naperville resident for over 40 years. She shares and enjoys her life with her cute husband Doug and four children Lily, William, Joey, and Johnny.
Jacque Clermont
Director of Community Relations
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Connect with Jacque at: JClermont@Naperville203.org