Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Loeb
Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always wanted a career which focuses on caring for others. I went to Miami University for undergrad and earned degrees in journalism and theater. I quickly realized that I didn’t have the level of dedication needed to make it as an actress, so I leaned heavily on my writing background and began looking at how I could use my writing to help others. I went straight to graduate school at The Ohio State University, where I taught for two years and received Masters degrees in journalism and health education. Shortly thereafter, I joined the Peace Corps with my then-husband and served in Morocco near the Sahara Desert as a maternal and child health volunteer. Once I returned, I started a career in the not-for-profit sector and have never looked back.
After a role at Welcome House in Northern Kentucky writing grants, I lucked into a job literally tailored for me at First Step Home, a residential drug and alcohol treatment program for low-income women and their children. The founder of this amazing program, Annie Bennett, took me under her wing and allowed me to learn so much about how to lead and succeed in this field. I was responsible for fundraising, marketing/PR and human resources, and I led a group with clients related to health and nutrition. From Annie, I learned the importance of mentoring others and the notion of “lift as you climb.” I tell Annie often that everything she allowed me to do and learn prepared me so well for my dream job at Ronald McDonald House. Our board hired me at age 28 as our executive director, and I am still here – and happier than ever – 25 years later.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think that whether your road is smooth or rocky depends in large part on your mindset, and I tend to be a positive, resilient and driven person. That said, I have had a few setbacks in life. When I was in the Peace Corps, I became really ill with intestinal parasites and had to have a medical discharge back to the States. It took a while to rebound from that, both health- and career-wise. But learning how to regain control of and recraft my life turned out to be full of valuable lessons. In my current role, I have seen our Ronald McDonald House through three major expansions – from 20 bedrooms when I joined to 177 today. There have definitely been challenges along the way, from construction issues to safety for our residents to new funding needs. But I am the type of person who enjoys a challenge for what it can teach me, and I am always trying to learn and evolve each day.
We’ve been impressed with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Cincinnati, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At our Ronald McDonald House we work with families every single day who are struggling. They are worried about their children’s health and futures and also face significant financial stresses from mounting medical bills and relocating for treatment. Because of this, we have a trauma-informed care lens to everything we do. This includes recognizing guest families’ acute and chronic trauma as well as teaching staff how to best handle that and protect themselves from exhaustion and compassion fatigue.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
My mom describes me as a curious, precocious child. At age four, when departing Cincinnati for a seven-hour car ride to Iowa, I announced I was going to talk nonstop the entire way – and I succeeded. I have always loved exploring the world around me and connect easily with others. I enjoy reading and writing, two passions which started when I was quite little. I have always loved giving notes and small, carefully chosen gifts to others to make them feel special.
My dad, Lee Loeb, died when I was five. He was a beloved social worker in Cincinnati and died of a cerebral embolism. I believe I carry his spirit for helping others, and this connection has helped guide my career choices throughout life. I have also learned how trauma at a young age (in my case, the loss of a parent) follows you in deep and unexpected ways throughout life.
In middle school, I started twirling baton (including doing fire baton in parades and being a majorette in high school), and a few years ago I took it up again just to embarrass my kids. I’m also a member of a local improv comedy group, which allows me to use my theater background and the creative side of my brain.
The best part is that all of my favorite things serve me every day at Ronald McDonald House. My love for connecting with people translates well to bringing donors to our mission; my theater background made me comfortable with public speaking; my writing background allows me to share and articulate our mission; and my returning to baton twirling keeps me connected to the kid in me, which ties in well with our mission to support kids and their families.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/RMHCincinnati
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rmhcincinnati/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rmhcincinnati
- Twitter: https://x.com/rmhcincinnati
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RMHCincinnati
