As Executive Director of Bellevue LifeSpring, a nonprofit with a mission to break the cycle of poverty for Bellevue children and students and provide them with the resources they need to reach stability, Jennifer has become a trusted leader and advocate for local students and families.

Her story is rooted in Bellevue. Born at Overlake Hospital and raised in Pullman, Washington, she returned to Bellevue and has called the community home ever since. Together with her husband, who was also born in Bellevue, Jennifer has built her life and family here. Both of their daughters, Kirsten and Kylie, were born in Bellevue, making the city the heart of her professional journey and the foundation of her family’s life. A proud Washington State University graduate, Jennifer carries with her the values and memories of her college years. “I absolutely loved my college experience," she says enthusiastically. "Everyone who knows me knows I’m a proud Coug, and if I see anyone on the street with Coug gear, I’m the first one to say "Go Cougs!”

After completing her degree in communications from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, Jennifer always knew she wanted to serve her community. “I have been in public service and the nonprofit sector my entire career. I really enjoy connecting with my community,” she shares. Working various jobs post-graduation from a Human Resources temp to the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Bellevue Downtown Association, Jennifer remains appreciative of every role throughout her career. As she says, “I feel that every job I have had up until joining Bellevue LifeSpring has prepared me for this role in one way or another.”

Jennifer’s Bellevue LifeSpring journey started in June of 2014, as the first Executive Director in the organization’s history. For decades prior, Bellevue LifeSpring had been entirely volunteer-led, with dedicated community circle members carrying its mission forward. “I decided I wanted to retire at the Bellevue Downtown Association, and then the next day, Trish Carpenter, who had been a long-time Overlake Service League and then Bellevue LifeSpring President, called me and said, 'We are looking to hire an Executive Director, and we’d like you to apply',” says Jennifer. “So, I did, and here I am 11 years later.”

Over the years, there have been many memorable moments, but one stands out above the rest. “In 2016, the Bellevue community came together to preserve Highland Village as an affordable housing complex. Several nonprofits worked with the residents to lobby the city to get involved. Dan Watson from the King County Housing Authority was instrumental in the project, and Mayor Lynn Robinson helped work with the city, county, and state to secure the property purchase from the developer to ensure it remained affordable housing,” Jennifer recalls. “All of the families living there would have been forcibly evicted, and there were no other housing options in Bellevue at the time. Seeing our community come together in that way is something I will never forget.”

Jennifer remains hopeful for the strides Bellevue LifeSpring will continue to make for the children in our community who need it most. “I am inspired by our board leadership and the team at Bellevue LifeSpring," says Jennifer. "The passion of our Bellevue LifeSpring Circle Members and volunteers is something special, and the organization's impact over the years shows that.”

Looking ahead, she acknowledges that awareness is one of the organization’s biggest challenges. “The only way to break the cycle of poverty is through awareness and education. Many people in our community do not know the level of need that exists here. But the truth is, one in four of the children who attend the Bellevue School District are living in poverty. That is thousands of children at risk of hunger and homelessness. Tuning into these facts is how our community can support us. Garnering investment support is also key to making a tangible difference. It allows us to fund our critical programs that keep children in their homes, provide them with nutrition support, and ensure that all Bellevue children have the support they need to thrive,” Jennifer explains.

For Jennifer, joining Bellevue LifeSpring was a defining moment in her career and life. “I feel in my heart that I was called to serve in this role. I feel so fortunate to have a job where I can give back to my community, and I feel so much purpose when I go to work every day. There hasn’t been a day that I haven’t loved this job,” she shares. Her vision for a future Bellevue is bold and heartfelt. “I’ve always said my dream for Bellevue LifeSpring would be for us to go out of business, which would mean that no children would need our services anymore, because they would all be fed, housed, and safe,” she concludes.

To learn more about Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission visit: BellevueLifeSpring.org