Jeanine Finch

Mentorship Commitment Preference: Engage in short-term mentoring (connect only during scheduled LinkUp events). Available for online and in-person mentoring.

Industry: Government Contracting

Job Title: Consultant

Areas Jeanine is interested in mentoring: 

• Career Planning
• Networking Strategies
• Leadership Growth
• Goal Setting and Motivation

Bio: Jeanine Finch is the Owner of Finch Photography and a dedicated government affairs professional who has spent her career supporting residents, businesses, and local communities. Passionate about equity, inclusion, and collaboration, she is also deeply engaged with nonprofits such as PathForward and Aspire! Afterschool Learning. Jeanine’s commitment to service has been recognized through honors like Northern Virginia’s 40 Under 40 (2022) and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 under 40 (2024).

A proud George Mason University graduate, she lives in Arlington’s Green Valley neighborhood with her husband, Ivan, and their dog, Opal.

Describe how you got your first job: I got my first post college job in 2009 with Fairfax County Government by searching the web and applying for A LOT of jobs. There weren't many job sites that pulled from various companies like there are today so it was very tedious to keep searching but I know something would come along. Luckily, It only took me 3 months post graduation to find my first role and I was in that job for 3 years!

If you were starting your career today, what is the one piece of advice you would give yourself? Be open to opportunities! It sounds cheesy and it can be hard to manage when you think you have found your *dream* role or company. Just (try) to keep a positive outlook and literally shout from the rooftops to anyone that will listen that you are looking for a new role!

In what ways has your career path been unique or unconventional? Everything. I have no straight path or traditional career trajectory and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have so many transferable skills and my knowledge is a mile wide and an inch deep. I find that the roles that I have had that I have enjoyed the most have really leaned into this attribute and I have ended up learning so much more by being open to new things, saying yes (even when I am unsure), and raising my hand when no one else does.

What career paths have you explored or transitioned between? Social Services, Business Development, Government Affairs, Photography, Public Health and the list goes on and on! 

Affinity group(s) Jeanine was part of during her time at Mason: 

• Cheerleading

Jeanine is open to participating in informational interviews