Tri-C Famous: Jenneffer Lopez

#TriCFamous is a bimonthly feature that introduces readers to the people who make the College work while providing a sneak peek into their lives off campus.

Jenneffer Lopez, Ed.D., started her Tri-C career in 2014 as manager of donor relations and events with the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation. Today, she serves as director of Brunswick University Center in Medina County. In addition to leading the center’s day-to-day operations, she  oversees enrollment initiatives as well as student and community engagement efforts. Learn more about Jenneffer in this week’s Tri-C Famous!

1. Who do you look up to the most, and why?
My mom is my hero. She is the most tenacious, hardworking person I know. She grew up in the Dominican Republic as the oldest of seven children, and she quit school in the 8th grade to help her mother take care of her siblings. She attended beauty school while she was pregnant with me, and in 2000 (five years after our family migrated to the United States), she opened her own hair salon. She’s been a successful entrepreneur ever since. In addition to being the most loving mother and grandmother, she’s one of my biggest supporters — and my best friend.

2. Describe your personality in five words.
Loyal, because family and friends always come first. Morbid, because I fall asleep listening to true crime podcasts every night. Determined, because if I set my mind to it, it’s getting done.
Impatient, because I have a hard time understanding when things don’t move as fast as I do. Thoughtful, because my love language is “acts of service.” I’m always doing favors for others.

3. What are you most proud of?
My daughter, Zuri Amelia, is the light of my world. She just turned 5 and started kindergarten this fall. She challenges me to be the best version of myself — to strive for more, to work harder, and to never let her down. In fact, she motivated me to complete my doctoral degree in education. But for me, no title is more rewarding than that of mother to Zuri. She gave my life meaning beyond expression and continues to challenge me in the best ways possible. I’m proud of the little person she is, and I will continue to show her, through my own actions, how to be kind, honest and fair, and that we must all do our part to make this world a place where everyone is safe and accepted.

Want to be Tri-C Famous? Email beth.cieslik@tri-c.edu for a chance to be featured (or to nominate someone else!)

October 26, 2021

Beth Cieslik, 216-987-4538 or beth.cieslik@tri-c.edu