About > Meet the Council > Jennifer Leidel
CO-MEMBERSHIP AND ENGAGEMENT DEPUTY CHAIR • COUNCIL MEMBER SINCE 2012
Jennifer Leidel
"“Service can enrich both the person giving and the person receiving it.”
Why Jennifer serves with GlamourGals
Jennifer Leidel (she/her) serves on the GlamourGals Advisory Council as Deputy Chair of Engagement and Events. For the past 9 years, she has served in various roles including Co-Chair and Host for Illuminate and Glamour in the City, GlamourGals’ annual philanthropic galas.
She became involved with GlamourGals after attending Glamour in the City in 2011. She was touched by the mission of the organization as her own late maternal Grandmother was afflicted with Alzheimer's. GlamourGals improves the lives of two vulnerable populations; teenagers are inspired to become compassionate leaders in their communities, and seniors feel respected and dignified through their interactions with teenage volunteers.
Jennifer Leidel at the annual GlamourGals Illuminate Celebration.
Jennifer is a people-centric leader with interests in employee engagement and creating innovative programs that positively shape organizations, improve employee experiences, and impact bottom line. She is a big-picture thinker who loves to connect the dots, and inspire, motivate, and make a difference in the lives of others. She has experience in digital consumer marketing, employee engagement, and transforming organizational culture at American Express. Prior to that, she has worked in integrated client marketing, strategic partnerships, and large-scale events at Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated Kids, Time For Kids, and Allure.
Jennifer received her B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University. She earned her certificate in General Management and is the recipient of an award from Stanford Graduate School of Business. She serves as an alumni ambassador for Cornell University and a mentor for iMentor. Jennifer has been featured on The New York Times Metro section cover for volunteer work and in The New York Times technology section for work at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Her personal interests include traveling the world (she has traveled to all 7 continents!), pilates, skiing, photography, and spending time with friends and family.
“It’s been a wonderful experience to serve on the GlamourGals advisory council for 12 years. Seeing the way that the teenage volunteers connect with and serve seniors living in nursing homes has been inspiring. As the two generations interact, it is mutually beneficial and rewarding. The teens build leadership and compassion skills as they serve their community, and the seniors feel cared for and respected. I’ve enjoyed friendships with other dedicated advisory council members, supporters, and volunteers as we work together on this mission.”
3 Questions With Jennifer
Why does ending elder loneliness matter to you personally?
“My late maternal grandmother and aunt were both affected by Alzheimer’s, and I saw firsthand the impact the illness had on them and the importance of family and social connection, especially at that stage of life. Having warm social support and a sense of community helps older adults feel dignified, valued, and cared for, while supporting their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.”
Finish this sentence: kindness is…
"Kindness is being compassionate, helping and lifting others up even when it is inconvenient or offers little in return. Being a light to others and offering love and support allows those in need to feel seen and heard. Sometimes it’s as simple as a smile, being present, offering your time, or lending a listening ear.”
What do GlamourGals teen volunteers teach you?
"GlamourGals teen volunteers teach me that intergenerational connections are meaningful and that service can enrich both the person giving and the person receiving it. At such a formative point in their lives, seeing these young volunteers choose to give their time to seniors reminds me of the power of compassion, presence, and stepping outside of our comfort zones to connect with others. These relationships give back in immeasurable and often unexpected ways through conversation and genuine connection.“
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Inspired by Jennifer?
Join her in building a movement of teen leaders ending elder loneliness — because makeovers and manicures are half the story.