EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMMING FOR GIRLS THROUGH MUSIC EDUCATION, CREATION, AND PERFORMANCE
As Assistant Camp Director and later board president for Girls Rock!Des Moines (GR!DSM), Jen mentored students from ten to fifteen years of age who participated in programs that empowered them through music creation, collaboration, and performance. In 2019 The Des Moines Arts Festival honored Girls Rock!Des Moines under Jen’s co-leadership with their prestigious David G. Hurd Innovator in the Arts award.
During her nearly ten years with GR!DSM, Jen dedicated herself through volunteerism, fundraising, and program leadership to ensure the organization’s sustainability. She was instrumental in growing GR!DSM from a weeklong camp once a year to multiple summer camps and year-round programming; among her accomplishments was securing a grant to launch the second female-led recording studio in the country. Jen understands the importance of creating safe spaces where self-identifying females can connect, support each other, find their voices, and become empowered change makers in their communities.
