In our 2023 issue, we’re shining the light on some outstanding leading ladies for all their accomplishments and contributions to society.

JESSICA DUQUESNE
Sr. Omnichannel Marketing Lead, Walmart/Sam’s Club – The Hershey Co.

Jessica DuQuesne is a seasoned marketer and sales professional with experience in multiple industries. Jessica’s greatest strengths are her passion, creativity, drive and leadership. Originally from Lima, Peru, Jessica moved to NWA 15 years ago, and since then she has worked in many different roles, all of which have helped shape her business acumen, approach for driving solutions and exposure to various business cultures. Her passion for diversity and inclusion are well-known as she co-leads the Latino BRG Chapter in Sales for Hershey. In early 2020, Jessica co-founded “Heart of Arkansas,” a nonprofit with the objective to bring a spotlight and support Arkansas local businesses.

Education:
Teacher of English as a Foreign Language, University of Cambridge

Did you always know what you wanted to do?
From a very young age, I knew I wanted to work in a field that made me closer to people. Teaching seemed liked a great fit because it allowed me to get to know and understand the individuals first and design specific programs for their development. However, my love for creating things would come through not only during school but every job after I graduated. With my passion for creation and innovation, I cannot imagine a better field than marketing for me. I still have to work hard to become one of the best marketers out there, but that’s my aspiration, and I will do what it takes to see it through.

Best part of your job:
I work for the best candy and snack manufacturer in the United States! And I truly believe marketing is inherently cool because it thrives on change, innovation, creativity and the latest technologies. No matter what you are working on there is always something new waiting to be discovered.

Quality you admire most in women:
Women who sincerely uplift, upskill and propel others forward through all phases of their journeys.

Advice you’d give to other working women/moms:
There is room at the top for all of us. Be a true advocate and a sponsor to other women. Be flexible, present and understanding of yourself. There may be days you choose motherhood over your job and days you choose your job over your kids; all these decisions are OK. Balancing work and parenting is a challenge for us all, but the key is knowing where the priority is. To go where you are most needed on a constantly changing basis. If you are needed more by one of your children, then you leave work behind and go home. If your home is functioning smoothly and you are needed more at work, then you make work your priority in the moment. Be fluid and always pay attention to the priority.

What nonprofits are you involved with and why?
When I moved to NWA, my oldest daughter was very young, and The Jones Center was a great place for her to spend time and learn. As a very young mother, I also had the support of the Boys & Girls Club, and I was impressed by the work the Walton Arts Center does in order to provide art education to children. I volunteer or am part of committees with all these organizations. I also know firsthand the incredible work the American Cancer Society, Hope Cancer Resources and The Cancer Challenge do in the community. My mother passed away from cancer, and if it wasn’t for the support of these organizations, we would have had a much more challenging journey.

Personal Mantra:
“He who has a why, can bear any how.” I always think about my why: Leaving a legacy to my children they can be proud of, supporting the community that welcomed my family and was pivotal to my growth and accomplishments, and representing my culture, heritage and country with pride.

Best advice you’ve ever received:
Start your day with gratitude. The world is full of challenges and that is unavoidable. Having a grateful heart will help your attitude and you will be surprised that is the engine that pushes you to persevere and achieve your goals.

Surprising fact about you:
I am a great cook. I just don’t do it often, but I can make just about anything.

Thing you’re most proud of:
My daughters. They make me proud every day. They are caring, loving and extremely hardworking. I am thankful every day for the women they are becoming. They make me better every day.

You can view Jessica’s page in the Leading Ladies segment of the 2023 3W Magazine here.