In the heart of Fort Bend, Texas, where diverse communities converge and dreams take root, one woman has quietly orchestrated a transformation that extends far beyond traditional educational boundaries. Jeanette Boleware represents the rare breed of leader who understands that true educational impact happens when institutions become catalysts for broader community empowerment.
Her journey began with a simple yet profound recognition: small businesses form the backbone of American economic vitality, representing 99.9% of all businesses and contributing 43.5% of economic activity. Yet these vital enterprises often struggled to access opportunities within public sector contracts, particularly in education. What started as an observation became a mission that would reshape how one of Texas’s largest school districts approaches procurement and community development.
“There’s a song that beautifully captures my passion: ‘If I can help somebody, as I travel along; if I can cheer somebody with a word or a song—then my living shall not be in vain,’” Jeanette reflects, her words carrying the weight of someone who has found her calling in service to others.
The Architecture Of Opportunity
The Fort Bend ISD Small Business Enterprise Program stands as testament to what happens when vision meets execution. Under Jeanette’s leadership, this initiative has awarded over $500 million to small and minority-owned businesses, fundamentally altering the economic landscape of the region. The program requires 25% participation from locally certified small businesses on construction, architectural, and design projects valued at $50,000 or more.
Yet the numbers tell only part of the story. Behind each contract lies a relationship, a trust built between institution and entrepreneur, a bridge constructed between aspiration and achievement. “Collaborating with small businesses transcends merely completing tasks or adhering to deadlines,” Jeanette explains. “It involves being part of an individual’s aspirations. Each small business begins with a burst of enthusiasm and a vision for something more significant.”
The program’s success required navigating significant challenges. Many small businesses weren’t informed about opportunities available to them, while others lacked the resources and expertise to compete against larger, established firms. Jeanette’s response was characteristically direct: build relationships, increase awareness, and create pathways for success.
Mastering The Art Of Alignment
Operating as a liaison between senior management, small businesses, and community stakeholders requires a delicate balance of diplomacy, transparency, and strategic communication. Jeanette has developed a comprehensive approach that recognizes the unique needs and perspectives of each group while maintaining focus on shared objectives.
“This is achieved by developing a comprehensive communication strategy that outlines clear objectives, recognizes stakeholders, fosters trust, acknowledges achievements, shares updates and feedback, and reinforces a shared purpose and vision,” she explains. Her methodology encompasses multiple communication channels, from face-to-face meetings to social media platforms, ensuring all parties remain informed and engaged.
This approach has proven essential in managing complex initiatives like FBISD’s Bond Program and large-scale construction projects. Success in these environments requires what Jeanette describes as “a proactive, flexible, and people-oriented approach” that prioritizes clear communication, task optimization, and risk evaluation.
The Multi-Dimensional Leader
Jeanette’s influence extends across multiple roles: project manager, professor, consultant, and program leader. Rather than compartmentalizing these responsibilities, she has woven them into a holistic approach that amplifies her impact in each domain.
As a project manager, she serves as the central point of contact, ensuring clarity from inception to completion. In her role as professor, she creates environments that promote student learning and success across colleges, correctional institutions, and K-12 education. As a consultant, she tackles complex problems to deliver effective solutions. As a program leader, she provides inspirational leadership while empowering teams and encouraging collaboration.
“Each of these roles strengthens the others, creating a holistic approach that uplifts individuals, drives results, and advances both education and economic opportunity,” Jeanette notes, highlighting how her diverse responsibilities create synergistic effects that benefit all constituencies.
Teaching As Transformation
Jeanette’s educational philosophy centers on adaptability and engagement. When teaching complex subjects like project management, negotiations, or accounting to students with varying backgrounds, she employs differentiated instruction, ongoing support and feedback, interactive collaboration, and flexible adaptation to individual needs.
“What leaves a lasting impression on me is witnessing students achieve both their educational and personal accomplishments,” she reflects on her teaching journey. Her approach recognizes that effective education must meet students where they are while providing pathways to where they aspire to be.
This philosophy extends to her work with technology and project management systems. She emphasizes the importance of thorough testing and verification in complex systems like Prolog, understanding that small changes can have significant impacts on project outcomes. Regular review and optimization ensure these tools continue serving their intended purpose effectively.
Evolving Landscapes And Persistent Challenges
Throughout her career, Jeanette has witnessed the evolution of small business development, particularly for minority-owned enterprises. While acknowledging remarkable growth and increasing importance to the U.S. economy, she remains clear-eyed about persistent disparities.
“Although small enterprises are showing remarkable growth and are becoming increasingly important to the U.S. economy, notable discrepancies continue to exist,” she observes. “It is essential to tackle these discrepancies by providing ongoing support, implementing inclusive policies, and enhancing access to capital and resources.”
Her response involves practical strategies: participation in trade-specific events, understanding procurement regulations, and leveraging government resources like the U.S. SBA and SAM.gov. Success requires building strong relationships and understanding the complex landscape of public sector contracting.
Redefining Leadership For The Modern Era
Jeanette’s perspective on leadership transcends traditional concepts of authority and control. In today’s interconnected, impact-driven world, she believes leadership involves “guiding, inspiring, and empowering individuals and teams to achieve common objectives, all while adjusting to swift changes and emphasizing a positive impact on society and the environment.”
This philosophy becomes particularly relevant when addressing persistent challenges in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her advice to aspiring women leaders emphasizes building confidence, developing strong communication skills, embracing lifelong learning, and creating robust support networks.
“Foster confidence and assertiveness, trust your instincts and have faith in your skills,” she advises. “Speak up during meetings and discussions to ensure your voice is heard, not interrupted or overlooked. Lead with facts and logic to enhance your credibility and counter any potential biases.”
The Power Of Service
At the foundation of Jeanette’s remarkable career lies a single, powerful motivator: service. When asked what drives her continued innovation and forward momentum after helping shape opportunities for hundreds of thousands of students and small business owners, her response is immediate and heartfelt.
“One word – serve. Working in an environment where I can help create opportunities for student success and community growth through our district, staff, business community, and local leaders is incredibly rewarding.”
This service orientation has created ripple effects that extend far beyond Fort Bend ISD’s boundaries. The Small Business Enterprise Program has become a model for other educational institutions, demonstrating how schools can serve as catalysts for broader economic development while maintaining their core educational mission.
A Legacy Of Empowerment
Jeanette Boleware’s story represents more than individual achievement; it exemplifies how educational leaders can expand their impact by recognizing the interconnections between institutional success and community prosperity. Her work demonstrates that the most effective educational strategies often extend beyond classroom walls to encompass economic development, relationship building, and systemic change.
Through the Small Business Enterprise Program, she has created a sustainable model that continues generating opportunities long after specific contracts conclude. The relationships built, capabilities developed, and trust established create ongoing value that compounds over time.
“To all the small business owners out there: you are incredible. Here’s to your ongoing success – you motivate me every single day!” Jeanette’s enthusiasm reflects someone who has found profound fulfillment in empowering others to achieve their aspirations.
As educational institutions face increasing pressure to demonstrate community value while managing complex operational challenges, leaders like Jeanette provide essential guidance on expanding impact through strategic partnerships and inclusive practices. Her example shows that the most transformative educational leadership often happens at the intersection of learning, economic development, and community empowerment.
The future of educational leadership will be shaped by professionals who understand that schools serve broader purposes than traditional instruction alone. Jeanette Boleware’s career provides a compelling blueprint for achieving this expanded impact while maintaining focus on the core mission that drives everything: serving students, families, and communities with excellence, integrity, and unwavering commitment to their success.
