Welcome to our Meet the Team series, where we’ll be introducing the Move For Hunger Staff 1 blog and 9 questions at a time. We hope you enjoy getting to know our team members as much as we enjoy working with them!
We’re happy to introduce our Director of Development, Jennifer Bushinger-Ortiz! Jennifer brings a diverse and accomplished background in theater and philanthropy. Her commitment to nonprofit service has been a cornerstone of her professional journey, with the last six years being dedicated to the health and human services sector. Originally from the New York City area, she now works from Florida’s Gulf Coast. Jennifer joined Move For Hunger in September and we’re so excited to have her!
What Do You Do At Move For Hunger?
“I’m the new Development Director leading a team to help fundraise for our mission.”
Why did you join Move For Hunger?
“Nonprofit service has been a part of nearly my entire professional career. I’ve spent the last 6 years in the health and human services sector, and food insecurity is a common thread amongst our most vulnerable populations.
The fact that Move For Hunger has this unique model of partnerships with transportation and relocation services and multifamily and apartment complexes to collect and transport food is amazing! The team has accomplished some amazing feats and I am happy to be here and help move that needle forward to fight hunger.”
What do you like about working at Move For Hunger?
“Since day one, I am in awe of this robust team and the work that happens across the country. It has such an impressive reach and has hit some incredible milestones that need to be celebrated!”
What’s something that you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?
“The whole Move For Hunger team has been working on setting the Guinness World Record! We are working in development to fundraise at least $75,000 to provide 350,000 meals to communities in need (you can donate today at topplehunger.org). Simultaneously is all the prep work for our Giving Tuesday and Season of Giving campaign that will raise critical funds through the holiday season. Remember to make a year-end gift before it’s too late!”
Who has influenced you the most?
“My mentor/former theatre professor, Michael Collins, truly shaped my approach to work every day. On and off stage, he taught me to see past what’s on the surface, how to articulate my vision, and to fight for what I believe in. It’s been 14 years since he passed, and I hope that I made him proud.”
What food could you eat every day and never get tired of?
“Potatoes….all kinds. Chips, mashed, baked, fried, golden, red, or sweet!”
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“Have a good reason for everything you do. What you say matters.”
What’s your favorite movie?
“This is a tough one!It’s a tie between Clueless and Good Will Hunting. That’s my version of “Barbinheimer”. I also can’t forget about Almost Famous.”
Make sure to tune back in monthly to meet a new staff member, and follow our social channels (we’re on all of them @moveforhunger) to stay up to date on hunger news and the impact our network is making!
Want to work with Jennifer and the Move For Hunger team? Take Action Today!
