Jennifer Merschdorf

Meet Jennifer

With 23 years of experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, Jennifer brings a new style of leadership and voice to philanthropy. She is a proven leader and industry influencer and excels at creating and implementing strategic growth plans, promoting an atmosphere of teamwork and ensuring proper organizational, operational and financial management.

Jennifer has the ability to merge traditional business strategy and large-scale nonprofit operational complexities with fresh and innovative thinking that utilizes new technologies and builds on the strategic planning of an organization. In merging her leadership skills, strong strategic planning, finance background and passion for nonprofit operational innovation, Jennifer is truly a leader in the nonprofit sector.

Jennifer strives to be a strong voice for all young adults facing breast cancer, ensuring that they know they do not need to face this disease alone. As a breast cancer survivor diagnosed at age 36, Jennifer understands the importance of ensuring all young adults have access to YSC’s unique resources.

Background

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Jennifer began her career in the corporate world of marketing and sales. After several years, she transitioned her skills to the nonprofit community, driven by her desire to create social change. She began her nonprofit career with the national Sierra Club, where she became Director of Operations & Finance, and later served as the Director of Development for New Yorkers for Parks after she met her husband and relocated to New York City. Before coming to YSC, Jennifer was the Director of Operations & Finance for Soliya, an innovative international nonprofit.

Jennifer holds an MBA from the University of San Francisco and an International Business Degree from Washington State University.

She is the proud mother of a 3 ½ lb chihuahua rescue named Preston Maxwell Merschdorf – who proudly serves as YSC’s mascot!