Leadership isn’t meant to be a solo journey. And for women navigating high-stakes industries while staying rooted in faith, that truth is even more profound. Jana Gridley, a seasoned communications professional and founder of the Oklahoma City chapter of 4word , embodies this principle. Through her work with 4word luncheons and community groups, Jana has created spaces where Christian women can grow spiritually, professionally, and personally—proving that community is as essential to leadership as skill and strategy.

From Two-Step to Trailblazing Leadership

Jana has a playful side you might not guess at first. “I love two-step—country dancing,” she shares. It’s a hobby that stems back to her college days at a small Baptist school in West Texas. She remembers traveling to a nearby town for old-fashioned dances with live cowboy bands, paying a mere $3 to enter and sneak in a few snacks. “Sometimes you ended up with a real cowboy who knew what he was doing. It was a lot of fun,” she says, laughing.

That joy in connecting with others, even on the dance floor, mirrors the philosophy that guides her professional life: relationships matter. Whether dancing or leading a chapter, Jana believes in creating spaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.

A Communications Career Rooted in Adaptability

Interestingly, a career in communications wasn’t Jana’s original plan. She studied political science and legal studies in college, but her natural talent for communication quickly steered her path. “In high school, I competed in a speech competition, won a scholarship, and thought, ‘I’m good at this, and I enjoy it,’” she recalls.

Over the past 25 years, Jana’s career has spanned industries ranging from government and politics to nonprofits, telecom, publishing, and dental consulting. Today, she serves as Brand and Marketing Manager for Claims Management Resources, a niche company assisting state transportation departments and public and private utilities with property damage claims recovery.

Even in male-dominated industries, Jana has used her faith and professionalism to stand out. “Much of the marketing happens around conferences with government executives, engineers, utility workers, fleet managers, and other industry professionals. I definitely stand out, but I use that to my advantage. I make sure I’m prepared, professional, and approachable,” she explains.

Leading in Faith: Christ-Like Leadership in Action

For Jana, leadership is never separate from faith. She recalls a pivotal moment in her career when she recognized the need for strategy and structure in her marketing department. “I essentially built the department from scratch, even rewriting my job description after two years,” she shares.

At first, her colleagues and leadership were unsure. But Jana approached the challenge with patience, humility, and perseverance. “Through prayer and reflection, I sought to respond with humility and perseverance rather than frustration,” she says. Over time, trust grew, her responsibilities expanded, and she gained the confidence of a mostly male leadership team.

Jana’s approach highlights a key difference in Christian leadership: dependability, authenticity, and commitment to growth. “Strong Christian leaders show up, take ownership, and serve with gladness. Their faith grounds them, making them both dependable and resilient,” she notes.

The “Why” Behind The Oklahoma City Chapter

Jana didn’t just want to lead in her company—she wanted to create a community for women in the workplace to grow spiritually and professionally. Frustrated by limited opportunities in her church and seeking to integrate her professional and spiritual life, she posted on Facebook: Was there a Christian community for professional women in Oklahoma City? There wasn’t—so she started one.

“What drew me was not only the professional and spiritual support, but also the gospel focus. We welcome women at any stage of faith, which excited me,” she says.

The Oklahoma City chapter now provides hundreds of women with an encouraging,  authentic space. They gather for meals, discussions, and inspiring speakers, learning to integrate faith into their work while building meaningful connections.

“Our community  has become a space where women don’t have to explain themselves, where they can be fully seen and supported,” Jana says. Without it, she admits, she would feel lonely and lack a sense of purpose.

Mentorship and Community: The Core of Growth

Jana emphasizes that mentorship is critical for women at all levels. “It’s more than networking. Women find jobs, build friendships, and gain spiritual encouragement. For example, one woman new to Oklahoma City found her community through us, got plugged into church, and landed a job. She told us, ‘I’ve found my people,’” Jana says.

The chapter also fosters leadership development for women who may not have had previous opportunities. “Many of our ambassadors hadn’t led before in church settings, but when given opportunities in our chapter, they flourished,” she notes. By intentionally matching women to roles aligned with their strengths, Jana ensures that the chapter cultivates growth, confidence, and purpose.

Faith-Driven Leadership in Action

Through 4word local gatherings, Jana has shown that Christian women can lead boldly while staying grounded in faith. By providing mentorship, spiritual guidance, and practical leadership experience, these groups give women tools to succeed in the workplace without compromising their values.

“When I explain our network to others, even if someone doesn’t share my faith, they respect the authenticity and the work we do,” Jana says. That authenticity creates lasting connections that empower women to take risks, grow professionally, and serve in leadership roles with integrity.

The Ripple Effect of 4word Chapters

Jana’s work highlights the transformative power of community. Women who participate in 4word Community Groups gain confidence, resources, and support to navigate the challenges of their careers. They also experience the encouragement that comes from being part of a network committed to God-centered growth.

“The most valuable thing has been the community. Women crave a space where they can be themselves,” Jana explains. “There’s something life-giving about being in a room with hundreds of women pursuing the same integration of faith and work.”

For leaders like Jana, the 4word network is more than a professional development tool—it’s a mission. By creating spaces where Christian women can thrive, she amplifies impact not only within the workplace but across communities.

Why Every Woman Needs a Community of Support

Jana’s story is a powerful reminder that no woman needs to navigate her career alone. Whether through mentorship, chapter luncheons, or discussion groups, support networks like 4word provide the encouragement, accountability, and spiritual guidance women need to succeed.

“It’s an encouraging moment in your week—a chance to step away from work and connect with supportive women,” Jana says. “It’s a safe, authentic space where women can be vulnerable, find resources, and recharge spiritually and professionally.”

For women at all levels of leadership, especially those operating in male-dominated industries or seeking faith-based guidance for their career, 4word local gatherings offer a platform for growth, connection, and transformation. Jana’s experience shows that when women are supported, equipped, and connected, their impact reaches far beyond their individual careers.

Jana Gridley, a Texas native, has been a proud resident of Oklahoma for over 25 years. She is Brand and Marketing Manager for Claims Management Resources. A seasoned communications professional, Jana has enjoyed working in a variety of industries including transportation/utility subrogation, government/politics, nonprofit, telecom, publishing, and dental consulting, giving her a variety of experience and diverse network within the Oklahoma City metro.

She serves as Commissioner on the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women after being appointed in 2021 by Gov. Kevin Stitt. Jana founded the OKC chapter of Polished, now 4word, and serves as co-director with Jessica Rimmer. She is passionate about women leading out in the workplace, community, and local church using their God-given talents. She is a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University with a BBS in Political Science and Communication.

A busy mother of two teenage boys, Hollis and Kanon, Jana is married to Dan, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. They live in Edmond and are active members of King’s Cross Presbyterian Church. Jana enjoys cooking, entertaining, and reading anything from newspapers to novels whenever possible.