Jennifer Novo is an advocate for diversity, equity, higher education, and social change. For two decades, Jennifer has worked closely with diverse college students, her experiences in academic enrichment, retention, student success, and student life give her the unique ability to connect with students, spearheading multiple initiatives to enhance learning, leadership, and campus diversity. She uses her platform, time, and energy towards helping college students learn interdependence, service, engagement, and leadership.She says “diversity is the catalyst of innovation and prosperity.” She dreams of a world that is well educated, diverse, hopeful, prosperous, equitable, joyful, innovative, and more closely connected. She believes the youth has the spirit to create this world!

Jennifer has been involved with the nonprofits such as Equal Chance for Education, TLACC, and Sister Cities. She has volunteered with TN Promise, Oasis Center, & Conexión Americas. She has served on the Board of Conexion Next and is currently an Ambassador. She currently serves on the Board of Urban Green Lab, which teaches communities how to live sustainably as well as on The Education Trust, Higher Ed. Policy Council working on policy that advocates for equity in education for underserved students.

In 2018, Jen became a Climate Reality Project Leader, she is passionate about education, environmentalism, and sustainability work. She has been recognized for her work in higher education, she received Middle TN State University’s Office of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs “Academic Advancement Award,” for supporting LGBTQ+ students. She has also been awarded the “Change Maker of the Year Award” and “Women Who Rock Nashville” awards. In 2020 she presented a Tedx Talk titled “How Can I Find Success in My FUTURO?” She has been nominated as a finalist for the 2020 Nashville Emerging Leader Award in Education by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. Her work in FUTURO has been featured in The Tennessean, WPLN Nashville Public Radio (NPR Affiliate Station), and “El Jefe” Radio. In 2021, FUTURO won the “Inspiring Innovation Award” from the Nashville Public Education Fund and will be featured in the Public Schools Hall of Fame. She holds a Master's of Science Degree in Higher Education Administration and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Travel & Tourism Mgt both from FIU in Miami. She is a first-gen American who is proud of her Latina roots. She interned at Walt Disney World and shares that this opportunity changed her life. She is currently the Executive Director of FUTURO. She lives in Mt. Juliet, a suburb outside of Nashville with her husband and son.