Claiming My Seat at the Table
Throughout my career, I’ve often been one of the only women in the room. After years of being sidelined, I chose to stop waiting for permission. I claimed my seat at the table, unapologetically. Now, I want to help you do the same—stand tall and create your space where you belong.
Breaking Barriers & Fostering Champions: Jen's Story
In the world of high school sports, where the echoes of cheering crowds fade into the night, one voice rises above the din, not just to command attention on the field, but to change the game off of it. That voice belongs to Jen Brooks—a trailblazer, mentor, and beacon of empowerment in an arena where female leaders are as rare as a perfect season.
For over 30 years, Jen has not only led Ursuline Academy's athletic programs to new heights but has also shattered the glass ceiling with her indomitable spirit. Her journey is not just one of personal achievement, marked by accolades like the Missouri Athletic Director of the Year and the NIAAA Bruce Whitehead Distinguished Service Award. It's a testament to what can be achieved when determination meets purpose.
But Jen's story isn't just about the trophies in the cabinet or the titles before her name. It's about paving the way for future generations, ensuring that the next young girl with dreams of leading from the sidelines doesn't have to wonder if there's a place for her. By founding the Global Community of Women in High School Sports, Jen has created a sanctuary for mentorship, leadership, and growth.
Imagine stepping into a world where every young athlete, regardless of gender, sees a leader who looks like them, believes in them, and shows them that their dreams are valid and achievable. Jen Brooks has not only imagined this world but is actively building it, one program, one mentorship, one empowered young woman at a time.
What sets Jen apart is not just her ability to lead but her vision to inspire change beyond the boundaries of the athletic field. Through her work as a strategic consultant, she brings fresh insights and innovative approaches to high school athletic programs, challenging the status quo and fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion.
The road to equality and representation in sports leadership is long and fraught with challenges. Yet, with pioneers like Jen Brooks leading the charge, the path becomes clearer, and the journey, though tough, seems less daunting. She reminds us that the heart of a champion beats not just in the athlete who scores the winning goal but in the leader who makes it possible for them to play the game.
To those looking to elevate their programs, to challenge the limits, and to inspire the next generation of leaders, Jen offers not just her services but her journey as a blueprint for success. In her story, we find the courage to pursue our dreams, the strength to break barriers, and the wisdom to lead with purpose.
Let's champion the change-makers among us, for they are the ones who transform dreams into reality. Jen Brooks is not just changing the game; she's redefining it. And in doing so, she invites us all to be part of something bigger than ourselves—a movement towards diversity, equality, and empowerment in sports leadership.
Family First
I’m a Certified Master Athletic Administrator, award-winning speaker, founder, and fierce advocate for women in sports leadership. I’ve spent more than 30 years building programs, mentoring future leaders, and creating space where others once shut the door. Whether I’m standing on a national stage or cheering from the sidelines at a high school game, I lead with boldness, heart, and humor.
I live in St. Louis, Missouri, with my husband of 30 years, Don—my biggest fan and favorite travel partner. Together, we’ve raised two amazing humans: Nora, who works in finance at Boeing after a few years coaching high school basketball, and Luke, a PA student at Missouri State.
We’ve also been lucky to welcome two more into our circle: Nora’s boyfriend, Sam, and Luke’s girlfriend, Lizzy. They’re part of the family, and they each inspire me in their own way. Our group text is part comedy, part pep talk, and all love —and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
A few things that keep me grounded: a great book, a good bourbon, good food (especially pizza from my brick oven) and Sunday Vespa rides with Don on our Italian-inspired scooter, Francesca—a joyful little souvenir from our month-long adventure through Italy.
Creating and Claiming Space for Women in High School Sports
Throughout my career, I’ve often been one of the only women—or one of a few—sitting in the room. After years of being sidelined, I made a choice: I would no longer accept being pushed out of the spaces where I belong. Instead, I claimed my rightful seat at the table and built opportunities for others to do the same. In this 45-minute pres
Throughout my career, I’ve often been one of the only women—or one of a few—sitting in the room. After years of being sidelined, I made a choice: I would no longer accept being pushed out of the spaces where I belong. Instead, I claimed my rightful seat at the table and built opportunities for others to do the same. In this 45-minute presentation, available virtually or in person, I share my journey and practical strategies for women in high school sports to create their own space and lead with confidence.
An exploration of how diverse voices strengthen and elevate sports leadership.
This presentation delves into how diverse perspectives elevate and strengthen sports leadership. It focuses on the critical role that diversity and inclusion play in building more effective and cohesive teams. By exploring strategies for fostering an inclusive environment, this session offers practical insights into how diverse voices can
This presentation delves into how diverse perspectives elevate and strengthen sports leadership. It focuses on the critical role that diversity and inclusion play in building more effective and cohesive teams. By exploring strategies for fostering an inclusive environment, this session offers practical insights into how diverse voices can enhance leadership, team dynamics, and overall success. Designed for athletic directors, coaches, and sports administrators, it serves as a vital resource for those committed to advancing equity and excellence in high school athletics.
This engaging presentation focuses on the importance of cultivating and supporting female leaders in high school sports.
This engaging presentation focuses on the importance of cultivating and supporting female leaders in high school sports.
Drawing on my own experiences and lessons learned from decades in the field, I explore strategies for identifying, mentoring, and championing female coaches as they navigate the path to athletic administration roles.
The session emphasizes actionable steps for fostering mentorship relationships, building confidence, and overcoming barrie
Drawing on my own experiences and lessons learned from decades in the field, I explore strategies for identifying, mentoring, and championing female coaches as they navigate the path to athletic administration roles.
The session emphasizes actionable steps for fostering mentorship relationships, building confidence, and overcoming barriers that often prevent women from advancing into leadership positions. Attendees will gain insights into the power of male allyship, the role of intersectionality, and the long-term impact of mentorship in not only elevating individual careers but also creating a more inclusive and diverse leadership landscape in athletics.
Perfect for Athletic Directors, coaches, and leaders seeking to inspire the next generation of game changers, this presentation is a call to action to create pathways for women to lead with strength and purpose.