Please join us in welcoming Jen Carl (she/her), our new GSBA: Capitol Hill Neighborhood Safety Coordinator! With a rich and diverse background, Jen is ready to bring her unique skills and passion for community building to GSBA.
Jen’s career path is part of what makes her journey so impactful. She started as a scare actor at Busch Gardens Tampa, worked as a chef at Walt Disney World, and became a volunteer firefighter—all while exploring her love for helping others. Eventually, Jen pursued a career in criminal justice, earning a master’s in forensic psychology and working in various roles, including Asset Protection Outreach Coordinator at Target.
“I’ve always been about meeting people where they are and building connections across communities,” Jen says. “I’m particularly passionate about helping folks who are marginalized, especially those at the intersections of legal issues, houselessness, mental health challenges, and substance use.”
Jen is especially drawn to GSBA because of its commitment to advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. “Growing up in Florida in the ’90s, I saw the violence and discrimination our community faced, and I swore I would never let anyone feel that fear,” she explains. This role allows Jen to use her experiences to create safer spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring access to resources and advocating for systemic change.
Jen lives with her partner, Cate, and a whole zoo of fur babies, including four cats and three dogs. She’s a self-professed geek, with a love for Star Wars, Marvel, sports, and gaming, but she’s also a major foodie and bookworm!
We’re excited to have Jen on the team and can’t wait to see the positive impact she’ll make as the Capitol Hill Safety Coordinator, working to create a safer and more inclusive neighborhood for everyone, from business owners to community members and beyond.
