Jen grew up in inner city Philadelphia the daughter to both a union plumber and a chemist who instilled in her the value of hard work and persistence. She self-funded her college education at Temple University earning a Bachelors in Business Administration with concentrations in Risk & Insurance Management and Legal Studies. Jen seized the opportunity to relocate to Tampa upon graduation. Over the past two decades Jen built a life dedicated to our community here in Hillsborough County.

When faced with the option of moving with her corporate role she planted her roots firmly as an entrepreneur in our region. As a start up entrepreneur she has the experience of bringing concept to reality. She also has worked closely with entrepreneurs who have shared the challenges they face in this region. She brings these experiences and values with her as she builds up the community through her leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.

Jen’s journey into politics began when she volunteered in her neighborhood with Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association. She was recruited for the board and later became president where she was the point of contact between the association, government staff, and the elected officials on many issues.

She was a member of the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2017-2020. She is currently the Chairwoman of the Hillsborough Community College Business Advisory Board, an Ambassador for Working Women of Tampa Bay and a member of the Junior League of Tampa. Jen was appointed to the Hillsborough County Citizens Advisory Committee by Commissioner Mariella Smith in 2019 and was elected Vice Chair in the spring of 2019.

Jen volunteers her time teaching Insurance 101 for Entrepreneurs with Hillsborough Community College and the Economic Collaborative Center. In 2017 she was awarded the Suzie Steiner Community Impact Award chosen by the Entrepreneurial students for her impact on their success. As an entrepreneur Jen has faced the same challenges these students will encounter, she understands that having the right resources can be the key to a start-up’s success. Jen serves on the Early Entrepreneur Venture Fund Committee, a committee that grants financial resources to qualified start up entrepreneurs.

A graduate of The City of Tampa Mayor’s Neighborhood University, Tampa Police Department Citizens Academy, Tampa Fire Rescue Community Awareness Academy, Tampa In Scrubs. Jen is currently participating in Hillsborough County’s Backstage Pass program. She is a lifetime member of Leadership Florida.

In her spare time, Jen enjoys riding her beach cruiser on Bayshore Boulevard with her two Yorkies, Chloe and Teddy, in the basket.