Jennifer Smith (she/her) uses strategic communication and storytelling to build relationships and advance educational equity. As director of strategic communication, she leads internal and external communications that elevate programs supporting students in accessing meaningful college and career pathways. She brings deep experience in communications leadership, public engagement and equity-centered messaging, along with a strong commitment to addressing racial and economic inequities in education.

Jennifer is former communications director at Richfield Public Schools, where she used data-informed, community-centered outreach to boost enrollment, engage families and promote the value of public education. Her work focused on building trust, increasing access to information and helping families feel welcomed and connected to their school communities. She has also served on communications teams at Minneapolis Public Schools and Minnetonka Public Schools and is a former events and communications manager at Achieve Twin Cities. 

Jennifer also serves as a board member for the Minnesota School Public Relations Association. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Minnesota State Parks, playing board games and spending time with her family. She is an avid reader, a hoarder of craft supplies and an occasional gardener.