Interested in building a career that improves the lives of children and families? Join Jenni Owen for an engaging conversation about the many career paths available across government, research, nonprofits, philanthropy, and beyond. Drawing on her extensive experience in evidence-informed policymaking and cross-sector collaboration, Jenni will share insights into the diverse opportunities to make an impact, no matter which sector you choose. Whether you’re exploring career options or planning your next steps, you’ll leave with a broader perspective on where your interests and skills can take you. Bring your questions—this interactive session is designed for discussion.
Jenni Owen is a Professor of the Practice at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy and a nationally recognized leader in evidence-informed policymaking and cross-sector partnerships. From 2017 to 2025, she was on leave from Duke to serve in North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper’s administration as Policy Director and Director of the North Carolina Office of Strategic Partnerships, where she led development and implementation of an innovative model for collaboration among government, research philanthropy, and other sectors. Her work focuses on strengthening the use of research and evidence to improve public policy and government decision-making.