Small businesses-owning alumna “advocates for excellence” as chair of GW Latino Alumni Network

Jenny Abreu

Jenny AbreuWhen Jenny Abreu moved to Washington, D.C. in 2006, she wasn’t sure what to expect. At age 29, she’d decided to change careers and was accepted to the GW School of Business. She’d left her circle of family and friends behind in Boston. She was in a brand new city.

But within a few weeks, Jenny — who serves as Chair of the GW Latino Alumni Network — was feeling right at home.

“I have to say that GW is responsible for at least two of my closest friends to date!” she says. “The impact that GW had on my life in 2006 when I moved here is still one that I feel 11 years later.”

While at GWSB, Jenny earned a master’s degree in Tourism Administration. She says the program of study played a key role in her career.

“Through GW, I was able to land my first internship and first industry job, thanks to the jobs ListServ offered by my department at the time!” Jenny explains. “I do not regret for one minute my decision to apply and relocate for a better and higher education.”

Today, Jenny works as the founder and chief experience officer at Forever Etched Events, LLC, a D.C.-based boutique meeting, event planning, and production firm. Forever Etched Events — which is a certified Small, Women-Owned and Minority-Owned (SWaM) Business — provides nationwide services to a number of clients and industries like corporate and nonprofit. Jenny’s company is also one of the only bilingual event planning firms in the country that provides services in both English and Spanish to faith-based organizations.

Jenny says that running her own small business has helped make her a successful leader as chair of the GW Latino Alumni Network since 2014.

Jenny Abreu collage of work“Because of my profession and career in event and meeting management, I am able to transfer my skills and expertise to building memorable experiences that keep us engaged and connected to our alumni,” she explains.

With the Latino Alumni Network, which she describes as “an integral part of the GW alumni family,” Jenny has volunteered her time planning events including the university’s annual Latinx Heritage Celebration. She also works with the Office of Alumni Relations to promote alumni connections to GW and provide mentorship and support to current Latino students.

“Having a ‘say’ and a ‘place’ or a ‘voice’ at the table has strengthened my connection to GW,” Jenny explains. “When we give as volunteers and alumni, we are paving the way for others to have amazing experiences just like us. We are advocating for the excellence that is found at GW.

-Sophie Ota

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