Meet Jen
Jen Thorson is the founder and principal consultant. She is a St. Paul-based nonprofit executive with significant experience leading mission-driven organizations in the Twin Cities.
Jen is an active volunteer, advocate, and public speaker. She serves on the boards of Little Free Library and the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement, where she is the board chair. She formerly served on the City of St. Paul Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commissioner and the Leaders of Today and Tomorrow board of directors.
A heart attack survivor, she is also a frequent presenter about women’s heart health. She is also a former national spokesperson and board member for the American Heart Association.
Jen earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership from St. Catherine University and a bachelor’s degree in English and women’s studies from Hamline University. She also holds certificates in HR and Talent Management (Michigan State), Fundraising Leadership (Indiana University), and Excellence in Business (Carlson School of Management).
Jen and her husband have two nearly adult sons.
Learn more about Jen’s work at jenthorson.com
“Jen collaborates naturally with an authentic equity-forward approach. She easily builds support and buy-in around a vision and is undaunted by transition and change.”
Amy Brendmoen
Emma Norton Services
“Jen’s ability to listen respectfully to our staff and leaders, observe our current state, and then help us proactively translate all of that into effective organizational management was nothing short of amazing.”
Chris Kellogg, Board President
Adath Jeshurun Congregation
“Jen is one of the most knowledgeable and generous people I've worked with during my nonprofit career.”
Grace Riley
Affordable Housing Connections &
Shakespeare at the Pub Producer