Jennifer deCoste

Change agent, Connector, Consultant, Doctor, Entrepreneur, Gay, Performer

My journey in higher education, consulting, and executive coaching spans over two decades, during which I have held diverse and impactful roles. My academic journey began at the Hartt School of Music, where I earned a Bachelor of Music (BMus) in Music Education and Opera. This unique blend of music and education instilled in me a profound appreciation for the arts and the transformative power of education. I then pursued a Master of Science (MS) in Counseling Psychotherapy at the University of Hartford, where I gained a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, communication, and the nuances of guiding individuals through personal and professional challenges. Simultaneously, I began my professional career as the Assistant Director of Admission and Student Financial Assistance at the University of Hartford. After a few years, I transitioned to Siemens Medical Engineering as the Manager of Training, Education, and Project Management. Over the next four years, I honed my skills in managing complex projects, developing training programs, and leading teams. Following this, I served as the Senior Training Advisor at Penn State University. In this position, I designed and implemented training programs that supported the professional development of faculty and staff. My work at Penn State deepened my understanding of the critical role that continuous learning and development play in the success of educational institutions. My dedication to diversity and inclusion led me to Penn State Altoona, where I served as the Director of Institutional Equity and Diversity. In this role, I spearheaded initiatives that significantly enhanced the campus environment's inclusivity and addressed issues of equity and access. I next joined Clarkson University as the Associate Vice President for Institutional Diversity. I served as the Chief Diversity Officer for over four years, leading efforts to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion into the university’s strategic priorities. My time at Clarkson further solidified my belief in the power of strategic leadership to drive meaningful change within institutions. The next chapter of my career brought me to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where I served as the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Strategy and Planning and Chief Diversity Officer. In this senior leadership role, I oversaw the university’s strategic planning efforts, drove initiatives aligned with the institution’s long-term goals, and ensured that diversity and inclusion remained at the forefront of these efforts. During my time at UW-Platteville, I also encountered a life-changing event—a near-fatal pulmonary embolism—which underscored the importance of sustainable leadership practices. My journey led me to Credo Higher Education Consulting, where I initially served as the Vice President for Strategy. Over the years, I took on increasingly senior roles, including Vice President for Leadership Strategies. At Credo, I led the firm’s Leadership Strategies division, which offered various services, including strategic planning, academic and administrative efficiency, leadership retreat facilitation, board development, and fundraising. Under my leadership, the division experienced significant growth, increasing sales by 180%. My work at Credo allowed me to collaborate closely with college presidents and executive teams, guiding them through strategic decision-making and leadership development complexities. I later transitioned to the RW Jones Agency as Senior Vice President, further expanding my expertise in higher education consulting. At RW Jones, I worked with a diverse portfolio of clients to enhance their communications strategies. Currently, I serve as president of ACT Executive Coaching, which accelerates the growth of nonprofit and higher education leaders through Action, Clarity, and Transformation. My coaching practice focuses on helping leaders become authentic in their leadership, inspire others, set and achieve meaningful goals, and delegate effectively. By leveraging my extensive experience in both higher education and consulting, I provide my clients with the tools and insights they need to lead with confidence. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a deep commitment to leadership, education, and the principles of equity and inclusion. My academic background, including a PhD in Women's Studies and Education from Penn State University, has provided me with a solid theoretical foundation to complement my practical experience. I have also completed advanced training at the College of Executive Coaching. I am currently completing my Professional Certified Coach designation, further enhancing my ability to support leaders in their personal and professional growth. As I continue my journey in executive coaching, I remain passionate about empowering leaders to navigate the complexities of their roles with clarity, purpose, and resilience.

I am dedicated to leadership development, strategic growth, well-being, and effective communication, particularly within the higher education and professional sectors. Executive Coaching in Higher Education: I am deeply invested in helping leaders in higher education navigate their roles effectively. My focus on strategic planning, leadership development, and mental health for executives is a strong passion for making a meaningful impact in this sector. Mental Health and Well-being: I emphasize the importance of balance, renewal, and mental health in professional settings. I'm interested in promoting actionable steps to enhance productivity and well-being. Strategic Planning and Development: Over the past decade, I've helped hundreds of institutions build strategic plans, and I have a strong passion for long-term organizational success and alignment. Communications Strategy: Whether handling sensitive communications for a higher education board or a nonprofit, I care about clear, effective, and respectful communication that aligns with values. Personal and Professional Growth: My focus on sharing my journey of living fully amidst a stressful job with my subscribers highlights a passion for continuous growth and helping others navigate their personal and professional challenges. Graduate Education: I am interested in guiding undergraduates who aspire to graduate school, particularly in crafting effective essays, because I am passionate about educational mentorship. Innovation in Workshops and Retreats: I'm passionate about creating innovative and impactful workshops, retreats, and coaching sessions focusing on synergy, efficiency, and strategic alignment.

You can change your self, your culture, or your situation.

Executive Coaching, Higher Education, Leadership, Nonprofits, Public Speaking

I have always wanted to attend TED but I thought it was outside my reach. I have attended my local TEDxGreensboro and the TEDxWomen Salons, but never worked for an employer who found attending TED "relevant" to my work. When I became the boss, I was able to take my team, year after year, to TEDx, and when I managed remote teams, I always offered the opportunity for my teams to attend a TEDx near them. I use TED Talks for my own growth and share them with people I work with and love. Now that I started my own business this year, I struggle to find opportunities to learn, stretch my mind, and think in new ways. I realized my business is doing okay, and when I need to stretch my mind, I always turn to TED Talks—so why not try going to TED? And here I am, mind-blown. This is a bucket list adventure for me.

Booking travel