Jennifer Holley

𝗜 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗼𝗼𝗺 Robert: Jennifer, when you think about “I Belong in This Room,” where does that story begin? Jennifer: It started from a hard place. I was in a gifted math class where everyone worked independently and at their own pace. One day, I brought my folder to the front of the class because I had a question. The teacher not only belittled me, she called attention to me in front of the rest of the class and said I didn’t belong there anymore. She moved me out of the gifted class and put me into a lower-level math class. That was incredibly heavy for me. I had always been a people pleaser, especially with authority. I never wanted to disappoint teachers or leaders. So being singled out like that stayed with me. Robert: What happened after that experience? Jennifer: It took a long time for me to feel comfortable speaking up again. It really wasn’t until high school that another teacher changed that for me. Her name was Dotty Lutgen. She put me in a room full of people and basically said, “Get up and make a speech. I know you can do it. I believe in you. You belong here.” And I did. I ended up going to State Student Council, running a conference, and eventually becoming President of my school student government. She saw something in me and said, “You’re special. You have something, and you need to let the world see it. Don’t make yourself small to make other people comfortable.” That transformed everything for me. Robert: What was different about Dotty? Jennifer: She saw potential in students. She was the kind of person who would see something in you for both of you until you could see it for yourself. That’s what made such a difference. One teacher made me question whether I belonged in the room. Dotty helped me believe that I did. And I’m still connected with her today. Robert: How has that shaped the way you think about teachers and leaders now? Jennifer: Teachers are partners with parents. They’re mirrors for our kids. They help kids see parts of themselves, and kids are looking for that validation and confirmation that they’re on the right track. The same is true for adults, too. Leaders can show someone what’s possible. They can help provide the roadmap, the resources, and the tools while someone is still trying to find their way. Or they can completely keep them down. When people are trying to find their voice, the adults and leaders around them have enormous influence over whether that voice gets stronger or gets stifled. Robert: What role do you try to play in other people’s stories now? Jennifer: I try to help people find their voice. I’m the cheerleader. I’m the encourager. I’m the person who finds the quiet person in the room and helps them feel like they can speak. One of the things that matters most to me now is helping other people feel seen and valued. It’s literally my job, but it’s also deeply personal because I know what it feels like when someone makes you question whether you belong. Robert: So what does “I Belong in This Room” mean to you today? Jennifer: It’s belonging, connection, and curiosity. It’s knowing that I don’t need to make myself small to make other people comfortable. And it’s also about making sure other people know they belong in the room, too. The values that matter most to me now are integrity, presence, and connection. I want people around me to feel seen, valued, and encouraged to bring themselves completely and authentically. Because sometimes all it takes is one person who sees something in you before you’re able to see it yourself.