Dr Jennifer Gillis

On behalf of Aimee Kereage of Granite United Way, Steve Thiel of Southern NH University, and Jessica Riendeau of the Granite YMCA, I am honored to recognize Dr. Jennifer Gillis of the Manchester School District. Throughout COVID-19, Dr. Gillis has balanced providing leadership, strength and dedication to the youth of Manchester in her role as Assistant Superintendent. Her utilization of partnerships with community-based organizations has created an environment of collaboration between these partners and the district in service of students and families, leading to previously unheard-of levels of collaboration across stakeholders. “Speaking from experience, SNHU has worked with Dr. Gillis on food distribution programming since the schools were first forced to go remote in March of 2020. This partnership has led to almost 200,000 meals being distributed to food insecure families,” notes Thiel. She also utilized these partnerships to improve cross sector communication and set the stage for greater integration of services as the pandemic ends. Dr. Gillis served as a model of resiliency and leadership, demonstrating that one can help others while pursuing their personal dreams. During this time of incredible service, she has completed her doctorate in education leadership while parenting two children at home who had shifted to remote learning. For women across our community, Dr. Gillis has been a light and an inspiration, leading with authenticity, grace, and candor.

See a video of the program here.