Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Meredith has worked in the nonprofit industry since 2005. As a grant case manager, she supports individuals and families facing crisis situations, drawing on her background in disability services, youth advocacy, parent education, and community support. She has experience across healthcare, judicial, and restorative justice settings. Jennifer holds a bachelor's degree in Family and Human Development, a master's degree in emergency management and homeland security from 2020, and a doctorate. Her educational and professional journey has been shaped by her commitment to making programs and interventions more inclusive for people with disabilities, ensuring they are considered in research, policy, and service delivery, particularly in rural communities. She values passion, dedication, cultural sensitivity, being trauma-informed, authenticity, and presence in her work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mother, who was a professor, advised me when starting college to go into two separate fields so that if something happened in one, I would have the other to fall back on. This really worked out for me during the 2008 recession when I could use my new degree in Human Development after my nursing background.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Funding is always a challenge, like treasure hunting for donors and grants. Nonprofits can be flexible and creative in providing services, not bound by the same restrictions as government or for-profit entities, allowing more comprehensive care especially in rural communities.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In nonprofit work: passion, dedication, being culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, authentic and present. In personal life: honesty, integrity, hard work, and loving life.
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