Jennifer Cox

Empower4Life’s Founder & Visionary

Jen has served as a Pupil Personnel Worker for Baltimore County Public Schools since 2015, supporting the northeast area of Baltimore County. In this role, she works with vulnerable student populations to increase attendance rates and reduce dropout rates, collaborating with school administrators, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Juvenile Services, mental health professionals, and district courts to ensure students receive comprehensive, child-centered support.

Prior to her current role, Jen spent 11 years as a highly respected educator at Kenwood High School, where she was known for her deep commitment to student success and educational equity. Her work in the classroom and beyond was widely recognized through multiple local and regional honors, including student-selected Teacher of the Year and county-recognized excellence in teaching.

In 2022, Jen and her husband, Brad, along with the support of their biological children, Kellen and Fallon, became a licensed foster home and welcomed their son, Eduar, in March 2022. Over the past four years, they have worked tirelessly to navigate the foster care system, challenge state regulations under COMAR, and advocate for what is in the best interest of children.

Jen believes deeply in the power of education and is committed to leveling the playing field for children living in poverty and those experiencing homelessness. Through Empower4Life, she works to ensure young people know, understand, and believe they can pave their own path in life.

Over the course of her career, Jen’s leadership, advocacy, and impact across education, child welfare, and the nonprofit sector have been widely recognized at the local, state, and national levels. Her honors reflect not only professional excellence, but a deep commitment to driving meaningful, lasting change for children and families.

Career Highlights, Leadership & Recognition

• CNN Hero (2017) — One of only 20 individuals worldwide recognized for extraordinary leadership and impact through Empower4Life

• Leading Women Honoree (2023) — Maryland Daily Record

• Harford County Foster Parents of the Year (2024)

• Leadership Baltimore County, Class of 2019 — Selected to collaborate with leaders and innovators driving systemic change

• Nonprofit Founders Circle (2019) — Chosen to collaborate with fellow nonprofit leaders strengthening community-based impact

• BCPS Recognized Teacher of the Year (2016) — Kenwood High School

• Kenwood High School Teacher of the Year (2009) — Student-selected

• Most Outstanding Educator (2010) — Essex–White Marsh Chamber of Commerce

• Most Outstanding Organization (2015) — Harford Family House (Empower410)

• Heart of Gold Award (2015) — Baltimore County Communities for the Homeless (Empower410)

Outside of her professional and Empower4Life commitments, Jen enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, staying active at the gym, running, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors!