Jennifer Jones Austin is the wife of Shawn Austin and the mother of two beautiful children, (a daughter age 12 and a son 8). Under normal circumstances, Jennifer would be like all of us, preparing for the holiday season, figuring out what she is going to get for Christmas for Shawn, her husband of nearly 16 years, and their children. However, Jen's recent diagnosis with a life-threatening illness, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, has changed the landscape of her life and the lives of those who love her. The youngest of her four siblings, Jen is often the center of family activities. She will give as much attention to the details on her daughter's swim themed birthday cake as she will to drafting a policy statement to ensure that healthy foods are available in local urban neighborhoods.

As a fierce and accomplished advocate for children and families, she has dedicated herself for nearly 20 years professionally as an attorney in the private and public sectors. Her goal going into law school was to become a corporate attorney, but the pull of social issues concerning children and families was too great to resist. Jen followed her passion. Throughout her career she has worked to enhance the lives of disenfranchised children and their families, working to improve their chances for better health, education and a safe, living environment. Jennifer's efforts have benefited thousands of people across New York State and beyond.

Jennifer joined the United Way of New York City in January 2008 as the Senior Vice President of Community Investment. Prior to joining UWNYC, Jen served as New York City's first Family Services Coordinator, a position to which she was appointed by Mayor Bloomberg after four years as a Deputy Commissioner in the City's Administration for Children's Services. As Family Services Coordinator, she was responsible for leading multiple interagency initiatives for children and families. She also played a lead coordination role in developing and advancing the Mayor's anti-poverty initiatives. She also served as Civil Rights Deputy Bureau Chief for Policy, Legislation and Public Outreach for then-Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, and as the Vice President of Development for LearnNow/Edison Schools Inc.

Jen attended Rutgers University as an undergraduate before obtaining her law degree from Fordham Law School, and a Master's degree at NYU. She is a member of the Brooklyn Chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc., and a board member of several organizations serving children and families. She has been a dedicated member of the Bethany Baptist Church in Brooklyn for over 35 years, where her father, the late Reverend William Augustus Jones II served as pastor for 43 years. Jen is wise beyond her years, loving, funny, and always willing to listen. She is an amazing person and is greatly loved by many. Now Jen needs us to be her advocate to fight for her life so she can continue her work to bless the children and families (including her own) who need her on their side!