JM Jennifer Merrell

 Jennifer Merrell is a keynote speaker, higher ed advocate, and inspirational leader dedicated to leading a life full of passion and continuous learning from making the right mistakes. Jennifer candidly addresses the common fear of the unknown and encourages an approach that has miraculously worked in her favor—to keep getting up again regardless of the circumstances. Jennifer describes her journey navigating a series of directional changes as “The Uncharted Trail,” where curiosity sparks self-discovery and the beginning of all great adventures. Offering a wealth of experience in multiple industries and positions, Jennifer’s story radiates perseverance, courage, and bravery. Her ability to captivate audiences ranging from young to tenured drives her message home—leaving behind nuggets of wisdom and a proposal for launching into action.

Mira Awards 2025 Finalist

3 Fun Facts About Me…

I have driven supercars over 150 mph at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

I am a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher and have been teaching for nearly 20 years!

I have trekked to many mountain tops and will be hiking the Inca Trail in June 2025.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

KEYNOTES

THE UNCHARTED TRAIL

A story of resilience that will inspire anyone who has ever felt lost, worried they may get lost, or found themselves lost somewhere along the trail of career and life.

DYNAMICS OF POWER

We unravel the concept of spheres of influence and explore how to leverage this powerful network to grow your business, career, or personal life.

ACING THE INTERVIEW: STORYTELLING

Interviews are not about technical skills. Learn how to develop and use relatable narratives to make a stronger connection in the interview.

NAVIGATING GEN Z’s EXPECTATIONS IN THE MODERN WORKPLACE

Emphasizing the elements of workplace culture, we will look at the gaps in expectations between employers and our newest generation in the workforce.

 Custom keynotes upon request.

EMCEE

Looking for a dynamic emcee for your next event?

Elevate your event with an experienced and charismatic host who can ensure your audience is entertained and engaged. Check out a clip here.

PROFESSIONAL DOT CONNECTOR

My aspirations are simple: To do good things for good people for good reasons.

What exactly is a professional dot connector? In essence, I can recognize patterns, build connections, and sense potential shifts within organizations. With over 25 years of leadership in a variety of industries and roles, I thrive in guiding both organizations and individuals through unique challenges.

“I care about tech skills for all, the college to career transition, and the advancement of rising leaders.”

Jennifer Merrell

Testimonials

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Jennifer Merrell is an absolute gem. She spoke to my introduction to entrepreneurship course in Spring 2022 and left the crowd awestruck. She is a fiercely powerful force to be reckoned with who cannot be sidelined – not by health challenges, professional setbacks, or what others would see as life-changing failures. It does not matter the audience – she’s brought me to tears as an audience of one and captivated a classroom of 200 college students – Jennifer’s message is inspirational and can offer something for everyone. She’s the portrait of perseverance and resilience, which are lessons we can all benefit from. It is with profound reverence and without reservation that I encourage you to invite Jennifer into your boardrooms, classrooms, and personal network to share her story about her uncharted trail. You won’t regret it, but instead will leave inspired and humbled.

Krystal M. Geyer
Assistant Director
Entrepreneurship Center, Ball State University, Miller College of Business
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Engaging, insightful, real. Three words I would use to describe Jennifer Merrell’s speaking. I have been in the audience listening, participating in panel discussions, and moderating panels with Jennifer. Each time, her presence captivates the audience. She adds the right amount of humor and raw honesty to drive her message home. Everyone leaves with nuggets of wisdom and actions to take.

Jeff Ton
Author, Speaker, Explorer
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Moving, inspiring, breathtaking. Jennifer’s ability to captivate the audience from young to tenured professionals is unlike any other. The knowledge and wisdom that Jennifer shares with the audience combine raw and thought-provoking conversations that allow the audience to engage, self-reflect, and introspect on how they are navigating through their lives. Jennifer is the epitome of living and breathing perseverance, courage, and bravery. The power and confidence that she brings in a room is in itself, but it is her ability to uplift and give the audience something to walk away with is something of the utmost spectacular. Her resilience and tenacity are a true testament to the definition of a true leader and not being afraid to go down a path truly uncharted.

John Fannin
LPS Digital Solutions
Eli Lilly & Company
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I highly recommend Jennifer Merrell for any speaker engagement! Jennifer brought excitement and fun to the 2023 Dress For Success Stepping Out In Style Dinner and Fashion show as the show’s emcee. With over 1,200 guests in attendance, Jennifer was able to keep our program on track, control the audience when needed for serious moments, and deliver powerful messages with glamour and style.

Julie Petr (She/Her/Hers)
Executive Director
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I had the distinct pleasure of working with Jennifer Merrell during the 2023 Dress For Success Stepping Out In Style Dinner and Fashion show. Her professionalism, charisma, and poise left a lasting impression. She brought energy, enthusiasm, and ideas to the planning process and was able to balance humor, inspiration, and some powerful moments while on stage. Without hesitation, I recommend Jennifer as emcee for your next high-stakes event.

Dr. Billie Dragoo
CEO/Founder, Repucare Inc.
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You are a rock star moderator – count me in for all the events you’ll be at with a microphone in hand.

Arianna Cruz
Counterpart

ABOUT JENNIFER

Jennifer Merrell

Starting as a dance performance major, Jennifer graduated from Butler University with a degree in Corporate Communications, served as social chairman of her sorority, won an alcohol-awareness award, and spent a season as a cheerleader (you followed that, right?).  

Jennifer’s life and career are intertwined in a series of directional changes that she best describes as ”a trail I’ve used a machete to hack through.” Over the span of her 25+ year career, Jennifer has served in multiple industries including entertainment, sports & fitness, tech, real estate, and economic development. She has climbed ladders and fallen off cliffs only to discover that she is driven to solve problems while elevating the people and organizations around her.  She also figured out that curiosity is the start of all great adventures.

Jennifer is the retired Vice President of TechPoint, where she spent her time working to grow Indiana’s tech ecosystem, with a special focus on bridging the gap between industry and academia. Jennifer is an advocate of tech skills for all. Having been a software trainer, network administrator and more, tech has been the underlying component to opening most of her career opportunities. Today, Jennifer continues her bridge-building work between higher ed and the workforce as a consultant & keynote speaker.

Jennifer is a 2024 Leading Lights Award Nominee and 2025 Mira Award Finalist.

Bring your event and your organization to new heights.

Reach out to Jennifer via the submission form below, and connect with her on LinkedIn!

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