Jenna Ott
As a founding member of Whitley County, Indiana’s Pod, the HANDS Foundation, Jenna brings a unique perspective to the ESP team. After her years a Pod member, Jenna attended Manchester College where she majored in Nonprofit Management. From there, Jenna worked as the development coordinator for a small literacy project in Noble County, Indiana before becoming an ESP representative.
Recently, Jenna accepted a position at the Dekko Foundation as a part-time program officer. She is a member of the YPII (Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana) Partners Network, is a trained Youth Philanthropy Ambassador, and is a proud member of the Columbia City Rotary Club. Jenna and her husband Mike reside in Columbia City with their two boys, Warner and Weston.
Suzanne Johnston
Suzanne Johnston is a Youth Empowerment Specialist with Iowa State University Extension. She has over a decade of experience in the youth development field. She is a graduate of Iowa State University, College of Family and Consumer Science. Her experiences include leading a nationally recognized community based youth development initiative from its inception and co-navigating a successful youth philanthropy group. She also has experience as a substance abuse prevention specialist, technical-writer, and Consumer Affairs Specialist. In 2004, Suzanne’s time with ISU Extension was contracted to ESP (Education and Support for Philanthropy) organization (funded by the Dekko Foundation). ESP is an organization consisting of two youth empowerment specialists that provide youth development expertise, support, training, and coaching for youth philanthropy groups and other non-profit organizations. Suzanne’s enthusiasm and passion have allowed her to be a dynamic presenter at national conferences and other public speaking events. She resides in Iowa with her husband, and their three children.