2019 EI Keynote Speakers

I’ve been afforded numerous opportunities working in higher education, managing non-profit organizations and enjoying the world of the entrepreneur.

Now, I’m putting to use all of my experiences facilitating technology based economic development in Northeastern Pennsylvania among the region’s fourteen colleges and universities. I previously established and managed the Keystone Innovation Zones for Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties returning more than $10M to early stage companies. Additionally, I serve on the board of directors for the region’s five business incubators.

As resource for local entrepreneurs, I work with our state and federal legislators to bring opportunities to the region. I currently hold a position with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of NEPA where we provide funding and support to start up companies and established manufacturers.

Jennifer is studio BE’s founder and CEO. Her role in the company is to oversee the operations, finances, growth and all strategic relationships. Jennifer began her career in corporate sales in 1999 in the telecommunications industry. After nearly a decade of success in that industry she suffered from burnout, trained to be a yoga teacher and transformed her life.

In December 2008, she opened NE Pennsylvania’s premier yoga studio, Balance Yoga. Balance became a hub for health-minded locals seeking an alternative modality for wellness, exercise, diet, and meditation, offering resources for personal development, connection, and community via a diverse array of classes, workshops, community volunteer opportunities, environmental and social activism, and trainings (including yoga teacher trainings, which still thrive today).

During her six years of owning, instructing, and managing Balance’s classes, Jennifer continued to advance her training, global network, and inner growth. In 2014 she enrolled in the Insight Yoga Institute, where she was mentored by revered international teachers Sarah Powers and Ty Powers.

Since selling Balance in 2015, Jennifer has dedicated her time, energy, and practice to deep studies in yin yoga, Buddha dharma (the teachings of the Buddha), spiritual inquiry, and mindfulness meditation. Reflecting on her long career in corporate sales, she recognized that if she had learned some of the methods and techniques of mindfulness meditation years ago, she might have been better able to manage her stress in a healthier way.

From this insight, studio BE was born.