Jen Strong

Office of Alumnae Relations and Development

Philanthropic Officer

What brought you to Smith?
I’ve been with Smith since April 2023. The opportunity to work as a leadership gift officer was the exact “next step” I was seeking in my career. Smith’s mission is easy for me to embrace!

What do you do here?
I help Smithies with their philanthropy through The Smith Fund (or other areas at Smith that they care about), and I communicate the impact of that support.

Please share something you are proud of about your work at the college. 
Smithies are so generous in sharing their time, talent, and resources with Smith and current students. When I hear from students about their personal and academic successes at Smith and how meaningful alum support is to them, I feel genuine pride and real optimism.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the Neilson Library. Being in it is like walking inside a work of art. I love seeing students studying, relaxing, socializing, and accessing services as much as I love being surrounded by interesting books.

How has your background prepared you for your current job at Smith?
My natural interest in others is at the heart of what I enjoy most about my work. Meeting Smithies and chatting is great! I got my start in fundraising at a small nonprofit human service agency, an experience I am grateful for. In that environment I wore many hats, which meant I developed a wide range of skills.

When you’re not working or traveling for Smith, what are you most likely to be doing?
I juggle a variety of passions. I like trying new recipes and sharing the fruits of my labor with my family. I also like to garden, ride horses, take classes, and get outside with my family.

What are you digging into these days?
I am reading a few things right now; one book, Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship, relates to my love of horses and riding.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
It’s hard to narrow down. I would certainly travel abroad, but I also have a dream to travel around the United States and visit national parks with my family.

What’s a project you are passionate about?
The development of a wildflower meadow in my backyard! This is a multi-phase project over the course of several years.

What’s a fun fact about you?
Someday, for fun, I would like to try to write and perform stand-up comedy.

Who would you most like to have dinner with?
Alienor le Gouvello, who made a solo horse trek over 3,300 miles across Australia’s Bicentennial National Trail, which she completed in 2017. I would love to hear her story over dinner.

What’s your favorite dish?
Paneer korma from India House.

Favorite Smith tradition?
The Ivy Day parade!