Community Development Manager Jenn Harvey started at Ziply Fiber during the Covid-19 pandemic with no background in the telecommunications industry. But she had a lot of motivation drawn from years of volunteering in and around Marysville, Washington, and serving on the Stilly Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Marysville Tulalip Chamber Events Committee.
"She didn't have a background in our industry, but she did have a service-oriented background that I thought would extend well into building community," says VP of Direct Marketing Rod Putney.
On top of the bustle of running community events, Jenn is an active mom who coaches basketball and chauffeurs her son to his flag and tackle football games. The Leadership Snohomish County graduate also volunteers with local back-to-school drives and adopts kids in need during the holidays to help them get clothes and toys.
Jenn attributes her desire to help others to her father, who instilled in her to give back as much as she can. "I remember us always buying a boy and a girl toy for Christmas and bringing it to the Everett Mall for Toys for Tots," she says. "My dad was always like, 'you need to give back.' It's just important. I like making people happy, so it's easy."
But the most important volunteer role she fills is serving on the board for Stephanie's Hope, a domestic violence awareness and resource nonprofit named for her friend. Jenn helps run events and fundraisers throughout the year while also keeping an eye out for calls for help from women and families in need.
She caught wind of a family moving from a shelter into transitional housing who wanted help with a dress for a Quinceanera celebration (the traditional Latin American coming-of-age party for girls). "We got them a $200 gift card," Jenn says. "She was able to get a dress and some shoes, and the caseworker bought a cake. It wasn't as big and grand as a regular Quinceanera, but she was able to do something."
When it comes to Ziply Fiber, Jenn approaches community engagement events with energy and a smile, rain or shine.
"Jenn's a connector," says Rod. "That's one of the values she brings to the team. She connects people and communicates and provides a positive presence for Ziply Fiber wherever she goes."
