Alumni Spotlight - Jennifer Ho

Jennifer Ho grew up in a family that emphasized the importance of education, although funding her college goals presented a barrier. Jennifer chose to attend Running Start through EvCC and also received scholarships through the EvCC Foundation, allowing her to graduate and transfer to the University of Washington’s School of Business. Today, she works on the development team for Teach for America, a non-profit organization fighting for educational equity for all children. “My time at EvCC definitely helped me pursue my current career,” she says. “At EvCC, I developed my skills and built relationships with amazing people who continue to support me.” Jennifer advises current students: “Get out of your comfort zone and join a club or organization. The more involved you are, the bigger the difference you will create for not only your peers, but the community.”

What is your current occupation/career?

I work on the Development team in the non-profit and philanthropy world, fighting for educational equity for all children in our nation.

How did you choose EvCC?

I chose EvCC because it was closest to my house when I was doing Running Start.

Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career?

My time at EvCC definitely helped pursue my current career because I would not have developed the skills or built relationships with the amazing people around me, who are still continuing to support me.

What did you do after you left or graduated from EvCC?

I attended the University of Washington and graduated with my bachelor's degree in business administration with concentrations in marketing and business management.

Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you?

Yes, Jennifer Rhodes was a great manager, friend, and mentor. She really pushed me in ways that helped me grow from my comfort zone and I am thankful that she is continues to be a support in my professional and personal life today. She runs Student LIFE* like a boss and if I had the chance to go back to being in the Student Senate again, I would do it in a heartbeat!

Carrie Wyatt is another wonderful advisor. She is incredibly hard working and takes excellent care of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) family. PTK is an international academic honor society that promotes scholarship, leadership development, service and the cultivation of fellowship among students at EvCC.

What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?

I would highly recommend you to get out of your comfort zone and join a club or organization; go to that event that you want to go to but are too scared of going alone; apply to be in Student Senate. The more involved you are at EvCC, the bigger the difference you will create for not only your peers, but the community. EvCC is really a close knit family and community to me because I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Any other information you would like to provide?

Growing up, my family has emphasized how important education is. However, I knew that having enough funds to obtain the degrees I want to pursue in life would be a huge barrier for me. I was honored to receive the Henry Robinette Scholarship, making it possible to finish my associate's degree at EvCC and enable me to transfer to UW’s School of Business to receive my bachelor's degree.

* The meaning of Student LIFE is Leadership, Inclusion, Fun and Engagement. Student LIFE serves the Associated Students and the campus community by providing programs and services that support educational, cultural, social and personal growth, creating a positive learning environment that enhances the total student educational experience.