In 2017, Jennifer Denike landed what she calls her dream job at Florida Gulf Coast University, working with WGCU Public Media. Though serving as a concierge to leadership and legacy donors, and also helping raise more than $2 million for the station, Denike is most proud of her efforts in the community.

“I have been volunteering since I was a Girl Scout growing up in New York. Today, I am a peer buddy to Nicole, a young woman living with cerebral palsy, and I serve in various leadership roles for Best Buddies of SWFL,” she says. “My passion is working with underserved populations to promote patient advocacy, access to education and inclusive housing.”

Denike is also a member of the Planned Giving Council of Lee County, Association of Fundraising Professionals of Collier-Lee County and the Staff Advisory Council at FGCU. In addition, she is enrolled in Leadership SWFL and is passionate about promoting Southwest Florida businesses as they emerge from the pandemic.

What are your future aspirations?

I aspire to foster an inclusive community where individuals with special abilities experience friendships, belonging and independence. I’d like to help develop affordable housing communities where the young, elderly, able-bodied and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live together in supportive housing and learn from one another.