Jenny Jackson, a seasoned Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), brings a wealth of expertise in innovation process, design thinking, and research & development. Since 2019, she has demonstrated her commitment to fostering business growth as a dedicated Business Mentor for Charlotte Launch (formerly Ventureprise Launch) and as a leader guiding two research teams in the prestigious National Science Foundation’s (NSF) iCorps program. Jenny's journey in entrepreneurship and innovation has been marked by a series of impactful roles. Prior to joining the dynamic team at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at UNC Charlotte, she provided invaluable support to startups, labs, and incubators, showcasing her dedication to fostering emerging ventures. Her tenure as Senior Innovation Consultant at MetLife’s U.S. Innovation Hub cemented her reputation as a strategic thinker. In this role, Jenny engaged in rigorous concept research, strategic formulation, and project execution, yielding tangible results. Her accomplishments include crafting compelling business cases that drove innovation in underwriting and catalyzed the direct-to-consumer business, notably pioneering the groundbreaking strategy behind a unique on-demand insurance product. Jenny's contributions have extended beyond MetLife. During her commendable three-year stint at Allstate, her commitment to excellence was recognized with the Chairman's Vision Award in 2013, acknowledging her exceptional work in training new hires. Jenny's academic journey is equally impressive, with a Master's in Organization Development from Queens University of Charlotte and a Bachelor’s in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Graphic Communications from North Carolina A&T State University. Beyond her professional achievements, Jenny is an advocate for children's rights and autism acceptance, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact in the world. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she continues to champion causes that align with her values. With Jenny's wealth of experience, a commitment to innovation, and a passion for creating positive change, she is a driving force in the world of entrepreneurship, consistently pushing the boundaries and making a difference. #InnovationExpert #Entrepreneurship #DesignThinking #StartupMentor #BusinessGrowth #ResearchandDevelopment #NSFiCorps #UNCCharlotte #MetLifeInnovator #creatoreconomy