Leadership

Jennifer Schlenske serves as Executive Director of Justice Housing Yakima, where she manages strategies that strengthen communities through philanthropy, partnerships and long-term investments in local solutions. With more than 20 years’ experience in non-profit leadership positions, Jennifer is known for building trust across diverse stakeholders and turning ambitious ideas into measurable impact. In her role with Justice Housing Yakima, she brings a steady, values-driven approach to leadership that centers dignity, equity, compassion, collaboration, transparency, accountability and long-term impact.

“I am genuinely committed to evidence-based solutions that prioritize housing stability and resident well-being. Building strong, sustainable and diversified funding to support programs that create opportunity, stability and hope for vulnerable people is my priority,” says Jennifer.

Originally from Spokane, WA, Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Technical Writing and Communications from Eastern Washington University. She began her professional career in Silicon Valley as a Technical Writer for Agilent Technologies. Since leaving the technology sector, Jennifer's roles included leadership positions with American Heart Association, Partners Inland Northwest Food Bank and Social Services, Sequoia Recovery Centers, Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest and Southern Minnesota Behavioral Health.

After residing in several places across the country – including Kirkland, WA, New Ulm, MN and Nashville, TN – Jennifer, her husband and their two sons relocated to Yakima in September 2023.