Jennifer Vickerman Akaolisa, Gift Planner, works to advance the Foundation’s mission by collaborating with professional advisors and donors to achieve philanthropic goals to better the lives of people in their communities.

Jennifer feels that working at the Foundation, with its focus on inspiring generosity, advocating for equity, and investing to advance community visions, is a fantastic way for her to live out her personal passions in her profession. Her favorite part of her job is connecting with community members who are generous and care about being part of community-led solutions.

She previously worked as a financial advisor and in new business development for Thrivent Financial, as a gift planner for Gustavus Adolphus College, and as the Director of Development & Philanthropy for Friends of the Hennepin County Library. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in Music Performance and Theatre from Gustavus Adolphus College. She has earned a Fundraising Certificate from the University of St. Thomas and the Certified Fundraising Executive accredited designation from CFRE International.

Outside of work, Jennifer is passionate about singing and feels it is her calling to share the gift she has been given. She is in her twenty-eighth season as a member of the VocalEssence Chorus, where she serves as the soprano section leader under the direction of Philip Brunelle and G. Phillip Shoultz, III. She serves on the VocalEssence Development Committee, the YWCA Minneapolis Board of Directors, and as an extended family member and book club leader with Project DIVA International. Her favorite hobbies are reading as many books as possible and thrifting cookbooks. She is a long-time resident of South Minneapolis and enjoys walks to Minnehaha Falls as well as frequenting locally owned restaurants and businesses. She cherishes spending time with her husband, their orange tabby cat, Marsha, and their friends who are their chosen family.