Jen grew up between a small Appalachian town and Louisville, Kentucky. At 18, she jumped at an opportunity to experience the West Coast and study in San Diego. With a curiosity about societal systems and a passion for equality, she studied political science. Her curious sense of adventure led to a year and a half in Spain, Argentina, and Chile. After leaving South America, Jen attained a position at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. working on democracy in Latin America. She then went to work for Senator Boxer where she developed an elementary understanding of the complicated prioritization required of lawmakers. After graduation from UCSD, Jen spent two months processing discoveries about competing priorities, the effectiveness of large bureaucracies, and inequality in the foothills of the Himalayas. In the small town of Rishikesh, she received her yoga teaching credentials as well as a personal lesson in resource management, growing quite skilled at showering with very little hot water. Jen joined Kiva as an intern on the Fellow’s Team in August 2013, and is beyond excited to continue her journey with an organization she strongly admires and respects and contribute to Kiva’s mission in Portland.