Jennifer (Jeni) Palmer is an Early Childhood Senior Policy Specialist with the National Conference of State Legislatures. In this capacity, Jeni educates state lawmakers from across the country about the policies, systems and funding mechanisms that support the health and well-being of young children and their families. She specializes in policies related to child care and the early care and education workforce.
Jeni began her career as a legislative clerk in the Iowa House of Representatives where she had a front row seat to the power of policy to make widespread and long-term change. While completing her Master’s degree in public policy and administration at the University of Colorado Denver, Jeni had her first child and found herself drawn to researching policies with direct implications for mothers, families and young children. Through her partnership with Warren Village for her Master’s capstone, she became dedicated to improving systems and policies that impede equitable economic opportunity and stability for mothers and their children. She continues these efforts as a member of the Empowerment Council at the Colorado Women’s Foundation.
She is passionate about helping legislators think beyond incremental policy fixes and understand the broader connections between home, community and access to resources on child health and development. When creating learning opportunities for policymakers, Jeni is committed to centering the voices of those with lived experience.
As a mom to three young children, community with other parents and families is also important to Jeni. For the past five years, she has provided support and connection for expecting mothers as a prenatal yoga teacher.
Through her participation in Cohort 14 of the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program, Jeni is exploring new ways to combine her background in policy and commitment to supporting families in her community and state.
Jeni began her career as a legislative clerk in the Iowa House of Representatives where she had a front row seat to the power of policy to make widespread and long-term change. While completing her Master’s degree in public policy and administration at the University of Colorado Denver, Jeni had her first child and found herself drawn to researching policies with direct implications for mothers, families and young children. Through her partnership with Warren Village for her Master’s capstone, she became dedicated to improving systems and policies that impede equitable economic opportunity and stability for mothers and their children. She continues these efforts as a member of the Empowerment Council at the Colorado Women’s Foundation.
She is passionate about helping legislators think beyond incremental policy fixes and understand the broader connections between home, community and access to resources on child health and development. When creating learning opportunities for policymakers, Jeni is committed to centering the voices of those with lived experience.
As a mom to three young children, community with other parents and families is also important to Jeni. For the past five years, she has provided support and connection for expecting mothers as a prenatal yoga teacher.
Through her participation in Cohort 14 of the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program, Jeni is exploring new ways to combine her background in policy and commitment to supporting families in her community and state.