Staff: Jen Lindwall

Jen Lindwall has dedicated more than twenty years to helping young people discover and access pathways to meaningful education and careers. Throughout her career as a practitioner, educator, program leader, researcher, and workforce development strategist, she has worked to build stronger systems that expand opportunity and ensure all young people have the support they need to succeed.

Jen began her professional journey as a youth mentoring program staff member before joining the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota as Director of Training, where she provided regional training and technical assistance to more than 100 youth-serving organizations. Since relocating to the Pacific Northwest 12 years ago, Jen has served in leadership roles at the Oregon Department of Education and Portland State University, where she led statewide and cross-sector initiatives focused on workforce development, educational equity, and youth success. She has partnered with schools, colleges, community organizations, employers, and government agencies to design and scale programs that connect young people to college, careers, mentoring, and other transformative opportunities.

Jen earned her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from Portland State University, where her research explored how educational systems and institutional environments shape students’ identities, development, sense of belonging, and long-term success. She is passionate about translating research into practical strategies that strengthen programs, build partnerships, and improve outcomes for youth.

Originally from the Midwest, Jen now lives in the Portland area with her husband, their two children, and their pup, Juniper. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, tackling home projects, and spending time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.