is a renowned expert in her field, with a career that spans three decades and includes a broad range of experiences in business and entrepreneurship development, advocacy, and public policy. Her work has been instrumental in shaping the dialogue and policy around issues of gender equality, workforce development, and social impact.
A native of the Washington, D.C., area, Jennifer began her career in the early 1980s as a field attorney at the NationalLabor Relations Board, where she gained valuable insights into the complexities of labor relations and the need for effective legal representation. After leaving the NLRB, she served as a clerk to the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, providing her with a strong foundation in legal strategy and advocacy.
In 1990, Jennifer joined O'Donnell & O'Donnell, a leading law firm specializing in civil rights and labor law. Over the next 25 years, she held numerous leadership positions within the firm, including co-founder of the Women's Leadership Initiative, which aimed to promote women into leadership roles within the firm and the legal profession.
Jennifer is perhaps best known for her work in the public sector, where she has dedicated herself to advocating for issues of workplace equality and diversity. In 2011, she was appointed as a member of the Ohio Third Frontier Incubator Director Council, where she worked to foster innovation and economic growth in the state. She also served as board member of Ohio Development Finance Advisory Council and Secretary of the Athens Sunrise Rotary, demonstrating her commitment to community service and volunteerism.
Jennifer's contributions to her field extend beyond her professional activities. She is a frequent speaker at universities, conferences, and seminars, sharing her insights on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Her writings have also been featured in a variety of publications, including Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Babble, and The Today Show, where she has shared her personal story of addiction and recovery.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Innovation in Marketing Award from the Ohio Economic Development Association and the Rural Incubator of the Year award from the International Business Innovation Association. She is also a past recipient of the Top 10 ranking for University-Based Incubators in the US and North America by UBI Global.
Today, Jennifer continues to be a sought-after expert in her field, serving as a strategic advisor to a diverse range of clients and organizations. Her dedication to promoting equality and inclusion makes her an invaluable asset to any team or organization looking to achieve their business goals while also making a positive impact on society.
