Az Business and AZRE magazines announced the publications’ lists of the Most Influential Women in Arizona of 2021, including Jennifer Russo, owner and executive chef of The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s and Jennifer’s Catering. In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Most Influential Women program, azbigmedia.com is profiling one of the Most Influential Women of 2021 each day leading up to the Most Influential Women of 2021 dinner and reception.

READ ALSO: The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2021

The Most Influential Women for 2021 will be honored at a reception on August 26 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. For sponsorship information, email Amy.Lindsey@azbigmedia.com. For information about the event honoring the Most Influential Women, email Lynette.Carrington@azbigmedia.com or click here.

To buy copies of the Most Influential Women in Arizona issue, click here.

Today’s spotlight: Jennifer Russo

Owner and executive chef

The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s and Jennifer’s Catering

Russo, a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, owns and operates Jennifer’s Catering and the popular The Market Restaurant + Bar by Jennifer’s, located in the Arcadia neighborhood of Phoenix. Jennifer’s Catering serves as one of the Valley’s top all-inclusive catering companies, providing complete service, rental, and global food and beverage amenities for parties up to 5,000 guests.

Lesson learned in 2020: “The fact that we survived is amazing and says everything. And I have an incredible staff and client base. But besides that we learned how to work leaner, smarter and harder because 23 years of business was on the line. We didn’t stop once. We just kept being thankful and pushed through.”

Source of pride: “Over 30 years in a male driven industry. Having the love, strength and confidence to push through. I knew I would get to the place in the food business that women would be appreciated and looked at equally.”

Surprising fact: “I have a mouth like a trucker! But I’m extremely spiritual and meditation keeps me grounded.”