Originally from Kentucky, USA, Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in voice (mezzo-soprano) from the University of Louisville, where she sang in Kentucky Opera’s Chorus before moving to Washington, DC. There she began her arts administration career at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, where lastly, she served as Chief Development Officer for the National Symphony Orchestra (2015-2019). Following her husband’s career as a U.S. diplomat, she spent four years in Amman, Jordan before moving to South Africa in August 2023.