Jenny Jessen

Class of 2017
Hometown: Annandale, VA

Jenny Jessen, of Annandale, VA, graduated in May 2017 with degrees in Geography and International Studies with a Development concentration, as well as a minor in Urban Studies. Jenny plans to enter the workforce after graduation to gain real-world experience in city planning and urban design before returning to school to pursue a master’s degree in landscape architecture, community and regional development, or urban design. As a part of the Levine Scholars Program, Jenny interned with Freedom School Partners in their financial development office; University City Partners, where she researched the successful implementation of light rails and development around newly-constructed light rail systems; the City of Centerville, OH, where she worked in the planning department on a variety of projects including one to revitalize an old shopping center; and UNC Charlotte’s Landscape Architect, where she provided a student perspective on the Belk Plaza redevelopment and several other projects. “The Levine Scholars Program emphasizes connection and transformation, and I love that this program has allowed me to physically transform the campus and create new connections through my internships.” Jenny’s international experiences included a semester in Siena, Italy, where she studied culture, language, and food; and two weeks on UNC Charlotte’s pilot trip to Shanghai, China, where she studied the urbanization and economic transition of the city. While at UNC Charlotte, Jenny served as a Sorority Recruitment Counselor for the Panhellenic Association, as well as the vice president of Philanthropy and Airband Chair for Sigma Kappa Sorority. She was also an active member of Charlotte Dance Marathon, OpenStreets 704, and Free Flower Fridays with the McMillan Greenhouse.