Jessica Genza, Saint Anselm College

Jessica Genza leads Saint Anselm College’s Humanities After-School Program, which joins college students and refugee, immigrant and underrepresented high school students as they research great human contributions from their own cultures. Jess was a dedicated service-learner in the program, which quickly led the Meelia Center for Community Engagement to hire her as the Student Coordinator of this innovative collaboration between Saint Anselm and the Manchester School District. Jess is instrumental in organizing and preparing college and high school participants to conduct research and present that research publicly. She facilitates efforts to build friendships and a sense of team across diverse cultures. Jess leads the extensive planning to ensure high school and college students achieve a greater understanding of “human greatness” and come to realize the greatness that exists around them.  Jess’s excellent management and relationships allow her to remain calm, diplomatic and focused on achieving the program goals, and as a result, everyone in the program believes in Jess. With one Humanities After-School graduate currently attending Saint Anselm College, and another scheduled to begin in the fall of 2013, Jess is already leaving a lasting mark at Saint Anselm.