Jennifer McChristian

Jennifer McChristian

Greater Phoenix Workforce Leadership Academy, Class of 2021-22, Economic Opportunities Program

Site Director, YearUp - Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona

Dr. Jennifer McChristian has served as an innovative strategist in both direct practice and executive administration for more than 18 years. She is known as a creative inspirational leader who mobilizes individuals towards a shared vision that enhances organizations’ missions. Dr. McChristian also has experience in successful grassroots community mobilizing and a proven track record of evaluating and implementing sustained programming and financial strategies for grassroots agencies, NGOs, higher educational facilities, and community development centers. Currently, Jennifer serves as the founding Site Director at Year Up Arizona, East Valley. She spearheads the cutting-edge partnership with Southern New Hampshire University to leverage competency-based learning and experiential practices to prepare individuals for a successful professional business career. Additionally, Dr. McChristian serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of Clinical Services at Divine Changing Hands, LLC through her consulting services. In this capacity, she creates a supportive and therapeutic atmosphere for clients and clinicians to serve as thought partners to impact overall wellbeing and success. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s in Social Work from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and earned licensure as a Clinical Social Worker in the states of Indiana and Arizona. She recently earned her Doctorate in Social Work from Capella University, where she conducted research to evaluate the impact of a targeted mentoring program on the retention and matriculation of female students of color at a predominately White institution.

Jennifer McChristian is a member of the Greater Phoenix Workforce Leadership Academy, Class of 2021-22. Click here to learn more about local leadership academies in the Economic Opportunity Fellows Network.

The Workforce Leadership Academies are part of the Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, a network of leadership and fellowship programs run by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. Within this Network, EOP connects national and local leaders from across sectors — nonprofit, government, business, philanthropy, academia, and more — to advance policies and practices with the potential to help low- and moderate-income Americans thrive in today’s economy. Learn more at as.pn/eofn.

If this is your bio and you would like to revise or update it, please contact eop.program@aspeninstitute.org.