BIOGRAPHY
Jennifer DeSalvo is Director of Business Partnerships and Community Initiatives at UCF Global. With over thirty years of experience in education, a Master’s degree in Intercultural Studies, Curriculum, and Literacy from Boston University, and an unmatched commitment to strengthening Central Florida communities, Jennifer exemplifies visionary leadership.
Over the course of her distinguished career, Jennifer has built a reputation as a respected professional in Central Florida, known for her strategic thinking, community-centered vision, and exceptional ability to bring people and institutions together. At UCF Global, she cultivates partnerships across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors—always guided by one mission: to ensure that residents, local businesses, and institutions have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that language, education, and access are catalysts for broad-based prosperity. She champions initiatives that uplift underserved communities to remove barriers to advancement and drive economic mobility, creating long-term, sustainable change.
Under Jennifer’s direction, the UCF Global Community English Program (CEP) and its sister program, English for Employees have become models of accessible, high‑quality language instruction with digital literacy skills embedded into the program for residents and employees of participating companies. Through her leadership, she secures funding from public, private and governmental agencies, enabling thousands of participants to meet their language goals.
Jennifer leads with both strength and grace. She is known for finding creative solutions, building meaningful partnerships, and inspiring those around her. Her leadership nurtures collaboration, fosters innovation, and empowers both colleagues and program participants. She has not simply built programs; she has built community. Jennifer often describes herself as a “dot connector,” intentionally building bridges between organizations with resources and connecting them to communities with needs.
Whether personally or professionally, Jennifer consistently identifies opportunities to connect people and institutions in ways that advance access, equity, and community impact. She is a leader who brings heart, purpose, and excellence to everything she does. Her dedication has transformed lives, strengthened the regional workforce, and built bridges across communities and institutions.