Jesenia Minier-Jennings

Dynamic and results-driven executive with a distinguished record of leading complex programs, offices and department within higher education institutions and municipalities, driving strategic initiatives, and advancing mission-focused outcomes. Brings extensive experience overseeing enterprise-wide operations, cultivating high-performing teams, and implementing innovative strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness, enhance stakeholder engagement, and deliver measurable impact. Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, organizational leadership, talent acquisition and workforce development, student and community engagement, budget administration, and performance management. Proven ability to align resources, people, and priorities to achieve institutional goals while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. An influential relationship-builder and trusted advisor known for forging strategic partnerships across diverse constituencies, including executive leadership, governing boards, community organizations, governmental agencies, and external stakeholders. Skilled at translating vision into action, leading organizational change, and developing sustainable programs, policies, and systems that drive growth, strengthen operational excellence, and advance long-term organizational success. Recognized for balancing strategic leadership with operational execution, leveraging data-informed decision-making to optimize performance, enhance organizational capacity, and position institutions to thrive in evolving and complex environments. Exploring a variety of executive leadership opportunities in other areas such as, manufacturing/corporate enterprises and/or in non-profit, human service organizations.

• Strategic Planning and Accountability: Developed and operationalized three (3) strategic plans across three (3) varying sized institutions.
• Student Affairs Lead: Directed student engagement/life for 10+ years, enhancing campus community and boosting student success.
• Predictive Analytics Success: Achieved 97% retention rate in the Pathways in Education Residential Academic Program (RAP) using predictive analytics and corporate engagements/site visits.
• Grant Acquisition Success: Secured up to $100,000 in grants to enhance student success and support initiatives at two institutions.

• 2022-TD Member (Current) College and University Professional Association - Human Resources (CUPA-HR) Northeast Regional Chapter
• 2022 – TD Member (Current) Prospanica
• 2012-TD Member (Current) National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE)
• 2014-TD Member (Current) American Council on Education
• 2012-TD Member (Current) American Association for Access, Equity and Diversity (AAAED)
• 2012-TD Member (Current) American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education
• 2019-TD Institutional Member/Rep (Current) NASPA Culture of Respect Initiative
• 2019-2023 Institutional Member/Rep Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• 2019-2023 Institutional Member/Rep Hispanic Education Technology Services

• Executive & Student Life Leadership Accomplished higher education executive with more than two decades of progressive leadership experience advancing institutional excellence, student success, organizational transformation, and inclusive campus communities. Recognized for providing strategic vision and operational leadership across complex academic environments, with expertise spanning student affairs, student life, diversity and inclusion, organizational development, crisis response, community engagement, and institutional effectiveness. Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide initiatives that strengthen student engagement, improve campus climate, and foster belonging among diverse student populations. Known for developing innovative programs, policies, and support systems that enhance the student experience while aligning with broader institutional priorities. Her leadership has contributed to the creation of sustainable structures that support student retention, leadership development, multicultural and community engagement, accessibility, and equitable educational outcomes.
• Data Informed Decision Making and Operational Excellence Experience in cultivating strategic partnerships across higher education institutions, government agencies, community organizations, and national professional associations. Adept at guiding organizational change, building high-performing teams, managing complex initiatives, and translating vision into measurable results, I consistently look to advance institutional missions through collaborative leadership, data-informed decision-making with a variety of tools (i.e., Navigate, SPIRE/CRM systems, Blackboard/Canva, Tableau, Qualtrics, etc.), management strategies, resourceful action planning, and a steadfast commitment to student success and organizational excellence.
• Student Success and Retention Experience creating transformative student experiences, strengthening institutional accountability, and fostering environments where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. Executive leadership approach combines strategic planning, operational execution, stakeholder engagement, and student-centered innovation to drive sustainable impact across the institution and the communities it serves.
• Talent Acquisitions and Human Resource Management Leading with more than 20 years of experience advancing workforce strategy, talent management, and organizational effectiveness in higher education. Demonstrated success at the Isenberg School of Management, Western Connecticut State University, and Bronx Community College/CUNY in leading recruitment and selection processes, developing inclusive talent pipelines, and building high-performing teams that support institutional goals. Experienced in advancing equitable hiring practices, employee engagement, leadership development, succession planning, performance management, salary equity initiatives, and organizational change efforts. Skilled in collaborating with executive leadership, search committees, other HR professionals, and external stakeholders to implement strategic workforce solutions that enhance institutional performance and foster diverse, inclusive workplace cultures. Brings expertise in human capital management, workforce planning, employee relations, HRIS/HRM reporting, and data-informed decision-making to optimize staffing, improve operational effectiveness, and support employee success. Recognized as a trusted leader and coalition-builder who aligns talent strategies with mission-driven outcomes, strengthens organizational capacity, and promotes sustainable growth through collaboration, mentoring, and community engagement.
• Fundraising, Donor Engagement, and Relationship Building Proven leader in strategic partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and mission-driven initiatives across higher education. Successfully cultivated relationships with institutional leaders, alumni, community organizations, corporate partners, foundations, and external stakeholders to advance organizational priorities and growth. Led fundraising efforts that secured over $50,000 for community-building initiatives at the Isenberg School of Management (2024–present) and $75,000 for the establishment of the WCSU Pride Center at Western Connecticut State University (2022). Demonstrated success in developing and sustaining impactful programs and centers at the Isenberg School of Management, Western Connecticut State University, and Bronx Community College, resulting in expanded partnerships, increased organizational support, and enhanced institutional capacity. Experienced in representing organizations at local, regional, national, and international levels while advancing fundraising, donor stewardship, alumni engagement, and community partnership initiatives. Recognized for building authentic, trust-based relationships and leveraging strategic leadership, communication, and coalition-building skills to create opportunities that strengthen organizational success, community impact, and long-term sustainability.