Jennifer Cox

Empower4Life’s Founder & Visionary

Jen believes in the power of education. She believes that all kids deserve a fighting chance. She believes that kids living in poverty have a great disadvantage when it comes to accessing their education. She believes in leveling the playing field for all. She hopes that Empower4Life can achieve empowerment of young people experiencing homelessness so that they know, understand, and believe that they can indeed pave their own path in life!

Because of her accomplishments with E4L, professional experience, community involvement and commitment to inspiring change, Jen has been recognized by several organizations over the years. Most recently, she was named a 'Leading Women' honoree by the Maryland Daily Record in 2023. In 2019, Jen was selected to be a part of Leadership Baltimore County’s Class of 2019 to work with leaders and innovators to become the driving force for positive change across the county. In that same year, Jen was selected to be a part of the NonProfit Founders Circle in 2019 to work with like minded founders as they collaborate, develop and strengthen the important work they each do in the Baltimore community. And in 2017, Jen was 1 of 20 in the world named a CNN Hero for the outstanding impact she has made and leadership she has demonstrated with Empower4Life.

Previously to becoming a Pupil Personal Worker with Baltimore County Schools, Jen was an 11 year prestigious teacher at Kenwood High School, as recognized by the following awards:

• 2016 BCPS Recognized Kenwood High School ‘Teacher of the Year’

• 2015 ‘Most Outstanding Organization’ from the Harford Family House (Empower410)

• 2015 ‘Heart of Gold’ award from the Baltimore County Communities for the Homeless (Empower410)

• 2010 Essex-White Marsh Chamber of Commerce ‘Most Outstanding Educator’ for Kenwood High School

• 2009 Kenwood High School ‘Teacher of the Year’ (student selected)

Outside of her E4L duties and regular job, Jen loves to spend quality time with her family and friends, visiting new places and spending time outside. She also loves to spend time at the gym and catch fresh air while running, hiking and simply enjoying the beauty of nature.