CEO of Norwalk ACTS

Jennifer serves as the CEO of Norwalk ACTS, a collective impact partnership working to transform systems by ensuring resources, policies, practices, and power structures actively dismantle racism and drive equitable outcomes for children and youth in Norwalk, CT. She previously served as the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer for the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation. Founded after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, the Foundation played a critical role in the development of short- and long-term funding support and recovery strategies for the community and those most impacted by the tragedy.

Jennifer received her master’s degree in social work from Columbia University. As a licensed clinical social worker, she has spent her career in the social sector. Jennifer served as the Director of Youth Services for the largest non-profit in Norwalk for 13 years, a legislative researcher and lobbyist for the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition, and started her career as a youth advocate working with victims of domestic violence. She credits the late Richard Cloward, her influential graduate school professor, for her passion for social justice and engagement of disenfranchised communities. Eager to help grow the macro-level perspective in the field of social work and develop new talent, Jennifer has also served as an adjunct professor in the Social Work Department at Sacred Heart University.