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’s a challenging component of your role at Step Further?
A: I’d say that the most challenging part of my role has been helping stand up a new program in a fast-paced environment with limited resources. Balancing urgency with thoughtful planning can be challenging, but it has also pushed me to be resourceful and strategic in how we approach solutions.

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 from diverse backgrounds 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.