Meet Jené D’Ambrosio
In an era where sustainability and community-minded business practices are reshaping industries, Jené D’Ambrosio stands out as a leader who combines operational expertise with civic engagement. Based in Fresno, California, Jené is the President and co-owner of D’Ambrosio Trading Inc., a textile recycling company operating in 16 states and serving over 350 organizations. Beyond her business, she serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Fresno Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Golden Charter Academy, and the Fresno Police Chief Foundation, shaping community initiatives and industry standards. Recognized for her contributions to sustainability and philanthropy, Jené’s hands-on leadership and commitment to transparency brings practical experience, transparency, and hands-on leadership to every endeavor she undertakes.
Early Foundations and the Seeds of Leadership
Jené’s journey began as a third-generation Fresno native. Her grandfather’s Coca-Cola distributing business introduced her early to the mechanics of running a company, while her mother, a hardworking single parent, instilled lessons in resilience, resourcefulness, and dedication. She remembers helping her grandmother weigh and stamp mail, fill out ledgers, and even attend out-of-town conferences. “It turns out, roots were planted that I would need later in life,” Jene reflects. At the same time, her mother, a hardworking single parent, instilled in Jené a tireless work ethic and an ability to make ends meet. These early experiences shaped her understanding of balance and leadership.
“Balance in life doesn’t mean 50/50. Sometimes one side of my life needs more attention than the other and that is okay,” Jené reflects.
This lesson in prioritization and trust in her teams and family would become a cornerstone of her leadership philosophy.
The First Leap: Building a Business from the Garage
Before D’Ambrosio Trading Inc. became a national enterprise, Jené and her husband balanced multiple careers while growing their company. She worked in the service industry as a bartender and server, while also providing hairstyling and nail services, all alongside the early stages of their textile recycling venture. The pivotal moment came when they had to choose between the safety of known income and the risk of dedicating themselves fully to the business.
“If building a multigenerational company was easy, then everyone would be doing it, and I used that as fuel,” Jené recalls.
That decisive leap allowed them to expand from a garage operation into a business spanning 16 states, providing sustainable solutions and creating jobs along the way.
Building D’Ambrosio Trading Inc.
From its humble beginnings, D’Ambrosio Trading Inc. has become a leader in textile recycling, providing services to over 350 organizations and operating nationwide. Jené’s philosophy is rooted in practical experience and hands-on leadership.
She emphasizes the importance of understanding every role within her company. “I am as good as my worst employee,” Jené notes. This commitment to empathy and operational insight allows her to address challenges proactively, ensuring that her teams can work effectively even when she is not present. Under Jené’s guidance, D’Ambrosio Trading Inc. developed proprietary software and applications to enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven management for textile recycling.Their approach is intentionally different from others in the field, reflecting Jené’s belief in innovation and advocacy. Explore more here.
“We continue to educate and advocate in the communities we serve,” Jené reflects. “Our first priority is preventing textiles from ending in the landfills, second is to give back to the communities that we offer services, and third is to offer services that are convenient and free.”
Leading with Purpose
Leadership, for Jené, is inseparable from community engagement. She serves on multiple boards and committees, including the Fresno Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Golden Charter Academy, Fresno Police Chief Foundation, and the City of Fresno’s Beautify Fresno initiative. She chairs panels for networking mixers, Women in Business Awards, and bylaw discussions, and she advises the International group S.M.A.R.T. on government affairs, including California legislation SB-707. Her philosophy is clear: leadership is about service, teamwork, and integrity. “It’s not what you know or who you know, it’s who knows you,” she emphasizes, underscoring the importance of visibility and impact in business.
Jene adds, “Some people check to see if your cup needs to be filled, others will check to see if it’s fuller than theirs,” reflecting the discernment she applies to partnerships, collaborations, and community engagement.
While Jené’s professional accomplishments are significant, she credits her family as the foundation of her success. She often shares that she would not be in the position she holds today without the unwavering support of her husband, children, and grandson. Her husband, whom she describes as her greatest source of encouragement, taught her to be “comfortable being uncomfortable,” a lesson that shaped her resilience as an entrepreneur. Today, all three of her daughters work within the company, making D’Ambrosio Trading Inc. not only a business, but a true family enterprise.
Recognition and Community Impact
Jené’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She has been featured twice in The Business Journal and frequently contributes to local media on textile recycling and sustainability. Among her many accolades are the 2023 Top Ten Women of the Year Award from the Marjaree Mason Center, the Visionary recognition from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in 2024, the Top Philanthropist Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Tillie Tuschhoff Excellence Award from the Fresno County Women’s Chamber, the Red Cross Central Valley Fundraiser and Chapter Board Team Awards, and most recently, the Golden Heart Award from the Golden Charter Academy Committee.
In March 2026, Jené will be honored in Sacramento, California, as the 2026 Woman of the Year, selected by Assemblyman David Tangipa. This recognition adds to an already distinguished list of accolades. Yet, her recognitions are more than personal milestones, they reflect her lifelong commitment to education, advocacy, and philanthropy. She approaches her achievements with humility and a continued focus on giving back.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Jené remains committed to expanding both her company and her impact. D’Ambrosio Trading Inc. is actively growing into five additional states and extending services into four additional regions within existing states. She is deeply involved in shaping California’s Responsible Textile Recovery Act (SB-707), which is expected to serve as a model for other states. Recently, it was announced that The Landbell Group has been selected as the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) governing board for CA SB 707, and Jené will serve as an ex officio board member representing the for-profit collector sector.
Learn more about D’Ambrosio Trading Inc. here.
This milestone further solidifies her role in shaping statewide textile recovery policy and advancing responsible industry standards. Her broader vision blends business growth with social responsibility. By combining education, advocacy, and transparency, Jené aims to set a standard for how sustainable practices and community support can coexist at scale. “Our company is ready to educate, advocate, and offer transparency in all regions we operate in and grow into,” she affirms, reflecting her commitment to leaving a lasting legacy that transcends the bottom line.
Empowering Lessons from the Path of Jené D’Ambrosio
- Embrace bold dreams: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.”
- Surround yourself wisely: “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”
- Discern true support: “Some people check to see if your cup needs to be filled, others will check to see if it’s fuller than theirs.”
Editorial Note: A Call to Lead Sustainability with Integrity
Jené D’Ambrosio represents a modern model of leadership, where business growth and community responsibility move together. Her journey reminds us that sustainability is not a trend but a commitment, and that true leadership is grounded in service. As industries face increasing accountability for their environmental impact, Jené’s work offers a practical blueprint for doing business with purpose and precision.
Her story is more than entrepreneurial success, it is an invitation to build companies rooted in transparency, innovation, and community partnership. For leaders ready to expand their impact while staying anchored in integrity, Jené’s path stands as both example and challenge.
