Jenn started May 6 as Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund’s third executive director. The Arkansas native has over 17 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, communications, and public relations. Get to know our new leader in this Q&A!
Hometown: Pocahontas
Current City: Conway
Family: Jenn and her husband, Jeremy, are raising two children
Education:
Last position: Director of Development, Hendrix College
Why did you apply to become the executive director of ASPSF?
I have worked in nonprofits for nearly 20 years, and — for nearly half of that time — in higher education. I cannot overstate the value of education. I have been fortunate to have some incredible experiences and opportunities working at Hendrix College, for which I am forever grateful and proud.
For some time now, I have been ready to take the leap to a new role that will allow me new and different experiences and opportunities to lend my skill set. The executive director role for ASPSF is the right opportunity at the right time, for the right reasons.
It is important to me that I contribute to an organization that is doing good in the world, and the mission of ASPSF inspires and motivates me. It is such a privilege to be selected for this role, following in the footsteps of Ruthanne and all that she has done.
What are you most excited about in your new role?
ASPSF has an incredible purpose, and it is clear to see that the staff and board work hard to achieve its mission. I am excited to bring fresh perspective and knowledge to build upon its strong foundation and help grow the organization. There is so much upside to this opportunity that it is hard to narrow it to one thing!
What do you love about the ASPSF mission?
I grew up in a single parent household, so I understand a bit about the challenges single parents face. Education is so powerful, and it was a lifeline for me.
Education can transform generations. By empowering single parents through education and support, we can improve lives, not just today, but for the future. The work we do today for single parents can affect positive, lasting change for generations to come, and that is something that really inspires me.
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
I take immense pride in my family and the ways in which we love and support each other every day. But aside from my husband and kids, my own education is my proudest accomplishment. I am a first-generation student, and on one side of my family, I am the only one to complete college, so earning my degrees felt like a win for my whole family. I hope it has inspired others in my family, and I know my education has improved my life and the lives of those around me.
What three words best describe you?
1) Determined
2) Authentic
3) Adaptable
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to read, cook, and bake. I also volunteer a lot, so aside from work and family, my volunteer endeavors take up most of my time.
Now, what about any furry friends?
We have one permanent resident — a bulldog/terrier mix named Stella who we adopted from Conway Animal Welfare. She is around five and her appearance has been compared to a gargoyle, ha ha!
We currently have a one-year-old English Mastiff that we are fostering through Great Plains Mastiff Rescue. She is a great dog, and I know her perfect forever family is out there!
What book are you reading now?
Miracle in the Andes: 72 Days on the Mountain and My Long Trek Home by Nando Parrado
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Missed the Boat by Modest Mouse
What other tidbits would you like to share?
I have served as a general member and in leadership roles on several nonprofit boards over the past 15 years. For the last nine, I have been a member of a board that serves abused and neglected children in Central Arkansas.
I feel serving on both sides of the table — as a board member and as a staff member of nonprofit and higher education organizations — will be helpful in this role because I understand the expectations, challenges, and strengths from both sides.