Jennifer Andrews has over 25 years in business and non-profit leadership, and her hallmark is building leaders. Most recently she spent 6 years at Teach for America Colorado as Vice President of Program Continuum, where she led the teams in Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. Her career began with the Red Robin restaurant company where she spent 16 years as they grew from 44 restaurants to 450, working on multiple facets of the business. While at Red Robin she served for 5 years on the Board of Directors for Denver Kids, a non-profit that provides wrap around supports to youth. It became clear that mission-driven work was her calling, so she jumped off the corporate ladder to join the non-profit full time, as the Chief Operating Officer and then as Interim CEO. Jen believes that every child deserves the opportunity to stretch and reach their potential and being clear-eyed about the inequities and barriers that currently exist, she is deeply devoted to a brighter tomorrow for our kids and our communities.
Sports have always been Jen’s true love, and her leadership framework was formed by her experiences as an athlete in team sports. She competed in soccer and basketball through high school, earning All-State honors in both sports. She played on a traveling summer basketball team throughout high school with kids from low-income communities who she otherwise never would have met, and the experience set the trajectory for her life. She competed collegiately in basketball and was the 2nd leading rebounder in the country her freshman year before her career was derailed by a serious ankle injury and 5 knee surgeries. Although heart breaking to have her playing days cut short, Jen learned life lessons about resilience and the importance of cheering others to their success. Lastly, Jen coached youth in summer camps throughout her high school and college years.