Her Story
About Jennifer
I am the director of Gift of Hope nonprofit in Branson, Missouri. We help children and families in need who are low income through a backpack food program sending food home on weekends, financial assistance, Christmas help, and the Sense of Pride Store for older kids to earn reward dollars for healthy snacks, hygiene items, school supplies, pillows and blankets. I have a journalism background from Missouri State University and spent about 15 years in tourism sales and marketing at places like Dolly Parton Stampede and Legends in Concert before joining the nonprofit almost 9 years ago to give back to the community. As the only employee, I handle grant writing, public relations, networking, marketing, fundraising, and running all programs while ensuring we stay on budget and meet deadlines.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
I've always been a resilient person and tried to work hard, and just not really cared about the opinions of others, I guess, and just like kept my head down and just kept working, and knowing that I can achieve what I want to. My mom was a very hard worker.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
You can do hard things. Everybody's always capable of more than they think. You have to push yourself.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You kind of have to brush things off, and be resilient, and just be adaptable. Adaptability is the most important thing because every day is different. You can't help everybody.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Funding is probably the biggest struggle every year. We are a small community with a lot of needs and a lot of nonprofits, so we're all fighting for the same donors.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Family is extremely important. I always just try to be open and honest and accepting of everyone. I lead with kindness in my everyday work. I want all the kids that I work with to feel loved and seen and heard.
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