Jennifer Merschdorf

Jennifer embodies a new style of leadership with a successful 20 year career in both for-profit and non-profit business. Jennifer's background in finance, operations & strategy allow her to utilize her MBA to bring fresh and innovative thinking as a visionary leader to help organizations successfully help others.

As YSC’s Chief Executive Officer for the last eight years, Jennifer has led growth of the organization by leading national teams to increase mission delivery through innovation, implemented finance and operational improvements.

Jennifer serves as an inspiring and articulate spokesperson for the organization and represents the programs and point of view of the organization to constituents, donors, agencies, organizations, volunteers, and the general public.

Jennifer transformed YSC by restructuring its field structure and operational systems when she restructured the organization from a small affiliate/chapter based structure to a truly national structure, increased total overall engagement by 37%, including increasing survivor engagement from 1,000 to 10,000 personal connections a year.

Jennifer strives to be a strong voice for all young women facing breast cancer, ensuring that they know they do not need to face this disease alone. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Jennifer understands the importance of ensuring all young women have access to YSC’s unique resources.

Jennifer holds an MBA from the University of San Francisco and a BA from Washington State University. Jennifer is the proud mother of a 4lb Chihuahua rescue named Preston Maxwell Merschdorf – who proudly serves as YSC’s mascot!

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]