Jen Cooper-Wells is the Executive Director of High Schools in Illinois. She started her career 27 years ago as a science teacher in CPS to inspire, encourage, and provide opportunities to marginalized youth. Over the years, Jen wanted to positively impact more students, so she became a school counselor and then an instructional coach to design curricula resources aligned to standards. She earned her PhD grounded in the effects of COVID on social emotional competencies. Jen uses technology to deliver SEL webinars, increase family communication, and most importantly empower diverse learners to share their voice.