A Southern California native with deep roots in the Washington, D.C. area as well, Jen Cole-Schaefer brings to GIVEN a vibrant commitment to her faith and decades of experience advancing missions and developing programs in communications, public policy, and education, primarily for the Church.

Her nonprofit portfolio includes advocating for pro-life public policy as a grassroots educator and lobbyist for a U.S. Bishops organization, advancing best practices related to adoption and foster care policy at the federal level, and teaching religious education at a prestigious international school in Rome, Italy.

Most notably, Jen’s years of collaborating with the Dominican Sisters of Saint Cecilia to establish and grow Saint John Paul the Great High School in the Diocese of Arlington, as well as her recent experience in senior leadership with a California-based merchant services company, uniquely position her to help the women GIVEN serves to excel in integrating their faith and professional lives.

Recently married, Jen and her husband, Martin, split their time between their Southern California home and Jen’s high-rise condo in Alexandria, VA, reaping the benefits of loving family and friends on both coasts.

Jen’s favorite topics include Saint John Paul II, the health benefits of intermittent fasting, and all-things Italian. Her favorite inspirational quote at the moment comes from St. Joan of Arc:

“Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.”