Jenna Ahner

Jenna Ahner joined ESG in 2022 to support its Career Readiness portfolio.

Prior to joining ESG, Jenna was the Executive Director of the Delaware State Board of Education. In this role she coordinated the State Board’s strategic priorities, provided legislative and regulatory policy analysis, and developed and managed all procedures and communications for the Board. In partnership with the Department of Education, she facilitated committees and coalitions, including the Delaware P-20 Council and the State Board’s committee to develop the Perkins Transition Plan and four-year plan.

Prior to this position, Jenna was a Senior Program Officer at the Rodel Foundation of Delaware and led the organization’s college and career policies and initiatives. As a part of this work, she was a part of Delaware cross-sector career pathways team.

In previous roles with the University of Delaware, she worked with the Institute for Public Administration on projects related to broadband adoption, charter schools, and public libraries. She also served as a Legislative Fellow for the Education and Labor Committees of the Delaware House of Representatives.

Jenna earned her B.A. in Public Policy and International Relations and her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Delaware.

Why are you in this work?

As a first-generation college student, I had my own challenges learning to navigate the transition between K-12, higher education, and the workforce. That experience inspired me to pursue a career that would help future students navigate a path that is right for them. Through this work, I’ve become passionate about connecting our systems and available resources to create accessible pathways for students from education to careers.

Why ESG?

ESG team members have a diverse set of skills and experiences from work in communities throughout the nation. I am excited to learn from others and bring my experiences in philanthropy and state government to the team and its partners.