Meet the Team: Jenna Cooper

At the heart of every great system is someone who quietly asks the right questions and cares deeply about the people those systems are built to serve, and that’s where Jenna Cooper, our Business Analyst, shines. Jenna brings a thoughtful, steady presence to Step Up, Step Further, helping translate complex ideas into solutions that work for families, schools, and students alike. Her work is grounded in listening first, understanding the “why” behind every process, and ensuring that what we build truly supports parents and guardians as they navigate important decisions for their children. Jenna’s care for the mission shows up in the details, and those details make a meaningful difference for the communities we serve.

To give you a closer look at the person behind the work, we asked Jenna a few questions about her role, her perspective, and what drives her passion for supporting families and students.

Q: Jenna, what’s the most rewarding part about your role?
A: The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that the work I do ultimately helps students receive the education they need to succeed. Even though my role focuses on analysis, processes, and systems, I see how improving workflows and aligning teams directly supports families in accessing scholarships and educational opportunities.

Q: What impact do you feel that Step Further will have on Florida students?
A: I feel that it has the potential to provide students with the ability to access programs that match their needs, learning styles, and aspirations.

Q: What three words come to mind when you think about Step Further?
A: Purpose-driven, Evolving, Forward-thinking

Q: Can you describe the culture at Step Further?
A: The culture at Step Up, Step Further is mission-driven, collaborative, and focused on impact.

Q: What is your favorite movie of all time?
A: Mulan

Q: What would be the greatest outcome of a child receiving a Step Further Scholarship?

A: The greatest outcome would be removing barriers so that a student can fully engage in learning and succeed in an environment designed to support them.

Meet The Team: Lauren May

The Step Up, Step Further Scholarship Fund is fortunate to have some of the most passionate and dedicated team members who are focused on changing the lives of Florida K-12 public and private school students. Our meet the team series will highlight some of the remarkable people behind the Step Further Scholarship Fund.

Meet Lauren May, Vice President, Step Up, Step Further.

We sat down with Lauren to understand what's behind her driving force.

Q. Lauren, what's the most rewarding part of your role?
A. Setting up a new program that's going to make such a tremendous impact on K-12 students in Florida is a huge honor. I'm so happy to be a part of it.

Q. What's the most challenging component of your role?
A. The scale of what we're building to impact K-12 students in Florida is huge. There are a lot of moving pieces, but thankfully, we've got a powerhouse team to make it happen.

Q. What impact do you feel that Step Up, Step Further will have on Florida students?
A. This scholarship will open so many doors for students to access educational options who may have not ever had them before.

Q. Lauren, can you describe the culture at Step Up, Step Further for us?
A. Our culture is built on trust, transparency, and a vision to serve as many students in Florida by providing them with more educational options.

Q. What three words would you use to describe Step Up, Step Further?
A. Trustworthy. Strong. Exciting.

Q. What would be the greatest outcome of a child receiving a Step Up, Step Further Scholarship?
A. They'll grow up to change the world!

Q. What is your favorite movie of all time?
A. Cool Runnings

Thank you, Lauren! Your leadership and passion for education choice will help us serve so many Florida students!