The Service to NAPO Award is bestowed upon a NAPO volunteer, or group of volunteers, whose dedication and commitment to NAPO and their area of responsibility goes above and beyond. The award recipient(s) is selected by the President of NAPO and presented during the NAPO Annual Conference. 

We are pleased to highlight Jennifer Granger Tipton of Breathable Spaces (center), who along with Amy Tokos, CPO, of AT Productivity (right), and Shanley Ten Eyck of Shanley Ten Eyck, LLC (left) are the 2025 award recipients for their work on the Free Member Webinar Subcommittee. 

Jennifer, the Service to NAPO Award is evidence that your team’s work and achievements for our association go above and beyond. What an honor! Congratulations!  

Q: What was the first thing that crossed your mind when your names were announced as the winners of the Service to NAPO Award? 

When Mindy started describing the work of the committee about to be recognized, I had this fleeting thought—Wow, that sounds a lot like the Free Member Webinar Subcommittee. But almost immediately, I dismissed it. Surely not. Then suddenly, I heard our names and saw our pictures on the screen. I froze for a second, thinking, Wait, did I hear that right? It was completely surreal. Even now, I don’t think it has fully sunk in! 

Q: Tell us the story of your NAPO involvement. What prompted you to volunteer? 

When I attended my first NAPO Summit in 2024, I was stepping into a whole new world. My business was just getting off the ground, and while I was excited, I also felt a little lost. I wanted to meet people, make connections, and truly feel like part of this community. I had some free time, and I figured—why not step out of my comfort zone? Volunteering seemed like the perfect way to do that. And I was right! It opened doors I didn’t even know existed. 

Q: What was your first NAPO volunteer position? What has been the most rewarding? 

The Free Member Webinar Subcommittee was my first volunteer role within NAPO, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the start, I felt welcomed and valued, even as a newcomer. But the most rewarding part? Without a doubt, it has been the connections I’ve made. I’ve met so many incredible members, people I likely never would have crossed paths with otherwise. Through this committee, I’ve learned, collaborated, and built relationships that have enriched both my professional and personal life. 

Q: How has volunteering helped to build and grow your business? 

Volunteering has given me a level of confidence that I didn’t have before. When I first started my business, I knew I had the skills to organize, but I was still figuring out how to navigate the industry. Through my role with NAPO, I’ve had the chance to work alongside experienced professionals, learn from their expertise, and refine my own voice as an organizer. It’s not just about exposure—it’s about feeling capable, connected, and ready to take on new challenges. 

Q: Where have you found support within NAPO? Where has support found you? 

NAPO is full of incredible people who lift each other up, and I’ve been lucky to experience that firsthand. Shanley has been an amazing guide, helping me become the best subcommittee leader I can be. Amy has been instrumental in introducing me to other members and making sure I felt connected. Gina has helped me navigate the procedural side of things, which was invaluable when I was just getting started. And then there’s Karen Brown and Zeenat Siman, co-chairs of the NAPO membership committee, who believed in me from the beginning and encouraged me to take that first step into volunteering. I genuinely don’t think I would be where I am without their encouragement. They, along with Amy, Gina, and Shanley, have been my support system, and I’m beyond grateful for each of them. 

Q: What volunteer advice would you give to both new and veteran NAPO members? 

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back—it’s about growth. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes an impact. My advice? Step into a role that speaks to you, or better yet, choose something outside your comfort zone. You might be surprised at how much you learn—not just about NAPO, but about yourself. And if you’re hesitant, just remember that there is an entire community here to support you. You’re never alone in this journey.