Power Women: Jennifer Cobb
Senior Vice President and Executive Director, City Year Little Rock
What’s your secret to success?
I like to consider myself a storyteller who can clarify complicated topics through language. It’s one of the reasons I’m passionate about educational equity. If we can help children read fluently, speak clearly and write concisely, the sky’s the limit for what they can achieve.
How did you get started in your field?
I parlayed my liberal arts education and English degree into strategic communications and later fundraising. I’m at my best and most fulfilled when serving a nonprofit mission.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
Do the inner work required to know yourself, your values and your boundaries.
What are your proudest accomplishments?
I had the privilege of serving on the fundraising team that raised more than $80 million to build Arkansas Children’s Northwest. Last spring, I was also honored to help City Year Little Rock host its first Red Jacket Luncheon, an event that brought together more than 250 advocates to advance educational equity for the students and schools we serve.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
In 2019, I decided to quit drinking. Recovery has given me the clarity and compassion to lead, create and collaborate in ways I never thought possible.
What are you reading/watching/listening to right now?
Reading: “The Body is Not an Apology” by Sonya Renee Taylor
Watching: “Shantaram” and the third season of “See,” both on AppleTV+
Listening: “Take It Like a Man” by Amanda Shires.
