Jennifer Kasse

Mentorship Commitment Preference: Engage in a long-term mentorship (connect with your mentee throughout the semester, outside of LinkUp events — frequency and format are flexible). Available for online and in-person mentoring.

Industry: Private Equity

Employer: Motley Fool Ventures

Job Title: Director, Events and Investor Relations 

Areas Jennifer is interested in mentoring: 

• Resume Review
• Work-life Balance
• Interview Preparation
• Skill Development
• Time Management
• Industry Insights and Trends
• Goal Setting and Motivation

Bio: With over 10 years of experience in communications, operations, and event management, Jennifer Kasse is the Director of Events and Investor Relations at Motley Fool Ventures and the founder of Vera Luna Events. She is a Certified Meeting Manager (CMM) and an active member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Potomac Chapter. Jennifer’s background spans corporate and special events, where she combines creativity, organization, and strategic thinking to deliver seamless, impactful experiences. Passionate about mentoring and professional development, she enjoys helping students explore career paths in communications, operations, and event planning while building the skills and confidence to succeed in the industry.

Describe how you got your first job: My first job was as a waitress—I applied to lots of places until someone gave me a chance, which taught me persistence and the value of hard work. My first industry role in communications came after completing three internships in the television field, which helped me build experience and connections. That led to my first full-time position at HBO Latin America, where I officially began my career in communications.

If you were starting your career today, what is the one piece of advice you would give yourself? If I were starting my career today, I’d tell myself to network as much as possible and take advantage of every opportunity to learn. Attend events, webinars, and industry meetups—even if you feel unsure or new. Building connections and staying curious can open doors you never expected and accelerate both personal and professional growth.

In what ways has your career path been unique or unconventional? My career path has been anything but traditional. I started in the television industry with internships and a role at HBO Latin America, then took time off to focus on raising my son. When I returned to the workforce, I shifted into higher education—first as an administrative assistant in admissions at George Mason University, where I also completed my bachelor’s degree, and later as an executive assistant in Academic Affairs at Northern Virginia Community College. Those roles helped me strengthen my communication and organizational skills, eventually leading me to Motley Fool Ventures. I joined as a project coordinator and now serve as Director of Events and Investor Relations. My journey has taught me that growth isn’t always linear, and every experience—no matter how different—builds valuable skills and perspective for what comes next.

What skills or experiences have been most valuable in your career? The most valuable skills in my career have been communication, organization, and adaptability. Early experiences in television and higher education taught me how to manage multiple priorities, collaborate with diverse teams, and solve problems creatively. My work in operations and event management honed my project management and leadership abilities, while building strong professional relationships has been key to advancing and growing in every role. These skills have allowed me to take on new challenges confidently and deliver results in fast-paced, dynamic environments.

Jennifer is open to participating in informational interviews