Jen Cooper

Jen Cooper is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in research, evaluation, and data management in public health and community impact sectors. Currently serving as the Director of Data & Continuous Quality Improvement at Start Early, Jen previously held positions including Senior Director of Research & Analytics at Heartland Alliance, where leadership encompassed overseeing a multi-million dollar budget and directing strategic initiatives at the Social IMPACT Research Center. At YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago, Jen contributed as Vice President of Research, Evaluation & Impact, where responsibilities included the conceptualization of a new department focused on Community Impact. Prior experiences include roles at Northwestern Medicine, UChicago Medicine, and various organizations in Uganda, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing health inequities and improving community well-being. Jen holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and Global Health from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.