CEO of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund Awarded Seton Hill Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award
Seton Hill University recognized 10 outstanding alumni for their individual achievements, contributions to their industry or profession, service to their community and loyalty to the University at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony on June 6. The award ceremony was a key event of Alumni Weekend celebrations.
AJ Jefferson, class of 1995, is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award.
As President and CEO of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund, Jefferson has expanded educational support for students experiencing homelessness by positioning the organization as a leading voice on youth homelessness in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Under her leadership, HCEF has grown from $1 million to $3 million, tripled its student reach from 400 to over 1,200, and is building infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
Jefferson is a keynote speaker sharing her lived experience of homelessness, resilience, and overcoming adversity. She has been recognized as a mentor, advocate, and leader, receiving many honors, including the C-Suite Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times, the Woman of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, and the Laura Ditka Award for Advocacy from Cribs for Kids.
She launched several initiatives: Continuum of Programming Model, a longitudinal system supporting students from pre-K-24 with a 90% graduation rate; Winnie’s Wagon, a first-of-its-kind mobile educational unit delivering tutoring and wraparound services; and Teen CEO (Career Exploration Opportunity), a workforce program helping high school students explore career pathways.
Jefferson has elevated youth homelessness nationally on Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show and is proud of those who believe college, careers, and stability are within reach.
AJ Jefferson, class of 1995, is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award.
As President and CEO of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund, Jefferson has expanded educational support for students experiencing homelessness by positioning the organization as a leading voice on youth homelessness in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Under her leadership, HCEF has grown from $1 million to $3 million, tripled its student reach from 400 to over 1,200, and is building infrastructure for long-term sustainability.
Jefferson is a keynote speaker sharing her lived experience of homelessness, resilience, and overcoming adversity. She has been recognized as a mentor, advocate, and leader, receiving many honors, including the C-Suite Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times, the Woman of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, and the Laura Ditka Award for Advocacy from Cribs for Kids.
She launched several initiatives: Continuum of Programming Model, a longitudinal system supporting students from pre-K-24 with a 90% graduation rate; Winnie’s Wagon, a first-of-its-kind mobile educational unit delivering tutoring and wraparound services; and Teen CEO (Career Exploration Opportunity), a workforce program helping high school students explore career pathways.
Jefferson has elevated youth homelessness nationally on Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show and is proud of those who believe college, careers, and stability are within reach.