Jen Forsberg has been called stubborn her entire life, but she used this “character flaw” to overcome many obstacles in her life including poverty to create a life she desired. Jen and her family took advantage of several programs and received a hand up from community action.
Jen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Bemidji State University in 2016. As a non-traditional student, she raised four children while attending classes online and graduated without acquiring any student debt.
Jen served on the Head Start Policy Council, Inter-County Community Council Board of Directors including being elected as Vice-Chair, and Camp Dellwater Board of Directors.
Jen is a leader whose actions speak louder than words. Her leadership has been more than just serving on councils and boards, but being a true advocate that speaks up for people who have yet to overcome their obstacles, that asks the hard questions to ensure integrity in services, and serves as a role model for those who will serve next.
Jen has received the Beating the Odds award through the Minnesota Head Start Association and then the National Head Start Association. She also received the Allies in Action award from Minnesota Community Action Partnership for her personal growth and leadership work.
Jen served on the CARES Customer Cohort and launched into public speaking by sharing a small part of her success story at the 2022 CAP Annual Convention in New York City.
Jen has reframed stubbornness into resilience to encourage others to become overcomers. Jen fosters empathy and understanding of economic challenges through storytelling. She frequently highlights agency programs that turn individual wins into social and economic stability.
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