Board Member Highlight: Gary Jensen

I was fortunate to be invited to the 2015 Inspire Gala where a mother talked about the impact of Inspiredu’s (PowerMyLearning at the time) family learning workshop in their lives. It was a moving testimonial. I called my wife on the way home and told her I wanted to be involved with the organization.

Q.  As a Inspiredu board member, what are you most excited about?

 I get excited about the impact that Inspiredu is having in our community. The direct connection with individuals through the family learning, adult literacy, and stem programs is easy to quantify, but the ripple effect within the community is immeasurable.

 I was fortunate to hear Condoleezza Rice speak many years ago. She made this statement, “If I can look at your zip code and I can tell whether you’re going to get a good education, we’ve got a real problem.” I believe Inspiredu’s mission works to eliminate this statement. This is what excites me to be part of such a great organization.  

Q. What is your current job and what does it involve?

 I lead the Information Technology team at Cooper Carry. Cooper Carry is a large architecture firm with offices in Atlanta, Washington DC, and New York City. Cooper Carry is one of America's most dynamic, context-driven design firms focused on the creation of EXCEPTIONAL PLACES - neighborhoods, buildings, spaces and landscapes crafted to enrich the experience of life for the people who occupy them.

 The firm desires to expand so my team is focused on transforming the IT infrastructure and our processes to scale for this growth while staying focused on operations. It is a work in progress, but I have the right team in place to make it happen.

Q.  What is a day like in the life of Gary?

 My kids would say I am in meetings all day… partially true. I try to eat breakfast with my kids and take them to school. I use my commute to listen to podcasts, call my parents, and think about or reflect on the workday. I do my best to protect my calendar, so I have room in the day to knock out my tasks before the end of the day. In the evenings, I can be found shuttling around my kids or coaching volleyball.

 Q. How do you relate to Inspiredu’s mission, values, and/or work. 

 Technology and education are focal points in my life. I was fortunate to be invited to the 2015 Inspire Gala where a mother talked about the impact of Inspiredu’s (PowerMyLearning at the time) family learning workshop in their lives. It was a moving testimonial. I called my wife on the way home and told her I wanted to be involved with the organization.