The South Hills is full of wonderful neighbors, and we’re lucky to have many of them on our board of directors. Jennifer, a lifelong South Hills resident, joined SHIM’s board in 2023. After graduating from Baldwin High School, she attended Robert Morris University and began an internship at NOVA Chemicals. Now more than 20 years later, she’s still with NOVA now overseeing communications, which includes the company’s community investment portfolio. She enjoys her work finding volunteer opportunities for NOVA staff members and encouraging community involvement. After several years of planning virtual events, Jennifer is excited to offer in-person opportunities to employees, with her team spearheading an initiative next year called Dollars for Doers, where NOVA encourages employees to volunteer in causes that are meaningful for them.
Jennifer joined the SHIM board after her friend and former coworker Pace Markowitz, chair of SHIM’s board, encouraged her. She knew of SHIM and didn’t feel the need to vet the organization because of the strong reputation SHIM has in the South Hills. Around the time she was graduating from high school, Jennifer became acutely aware of the refugee influx in the Prospect Park neighborhood of Whitehall. After seeing the ways in which SHIM supported the growing needs of refugee families and so many neighbors in our community, she felt that she wanted to give her time and talent to support SHIM’s meaningful work. Jennifer is especially passionate about serving unrecognized needs, helping to bring awareness to the suburban poverty that can sometimes be overlooked.
“SHIM has such an extensive footprint in serving the South Hills. I can’t imagine how significant the need would be if SHIM weren’t around.”
Passionate about volunteering, Jennifer loves the way Pittsburghers come together to help one another. She feels proud to be part of a collaborative and supportive community. Whether she’s volunteering at her kids’ school or supporting educational initiatives through her work at NOVA, Jennifer has focused her efforts on literacy and education, aiming to make quality education accessible to everyone. She brings that passion to her work on SHIM’s board, as she envisions new ways to educate the community and involve kids and teens in SHIM’s work.
“That’s what I love about the Pittsburgh community. We find creative ways to support our communities and I love bringing agencies together to join forces to do more.”
