Jennifer Jacobs (she/her/hers)

Jennifer brings a wealth and breadth of knowledge from over 16 years of K-12, collegiate athletics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion experience.  Through Jacobs’ personal and professional experiences as a volleyball student-athlete, coach and administrator, she found her purpose and passion; to aid others in creating more diverse and inclusive environments for all. 

Certified as a Qualified Administrator in the Intercultural Development Inventory ® which assesses intercultural competence—the capability to shift cultural perspective and appropriately adapt behavior to cultural differences and commonalities.  Jacobs has the specialty to lead organizations, groups and individuals in transformative changes in equity and diversity.  She has solidified herself as a premier practitioner for diversity and inclusion, presenting at events such as the NCAA Inclusion Forum, the University of Minnesota Tucker Center Coaches Symposium, and the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Convention. Additionally, working hands-on with organizations such as Princeton Athletics, Macalester Athletics, Augsburg University, Augustana University, Dakota Wesleyan University and many more! 

Jacobs began her career in K-12 at Harding High School (St. Paul, MN).  Jacobs served as Harding’s Coordinator of the College and Career Center and Behavior Intervention Program Coordinator.   She was a member of Harding’s Staff Development Committee and advised students of color in academics and post-secondary planning. At Richfield High School (Richfield, MN), Jacobs was the African-American Outreach Director and served as the liaison between more than 200 African-American students and families and the school staff and administration within the district. She provided academic, social and emotional support, along with assisting college transition planning for more than 50 families of other diverse backgrounds.  In addition, Jacobs was the chair of the Richfield Primary Staff Development Committee on Equity and Diversity, serving all teachers and school professionals in the district.  Jacobs facilitated ongoing training sessions as an integral part of the staff development equity and diversity plan, while also supporting school administration in day-to-day operations, including student conduct, safety and discipline.  

Jacobs next took her talents to the collegiate realm, jumping into the Assistant Athletic Director position at Augsburg College. During her time at Augsburg, Jacobs oversaw the daily operations of the department including sponsorship negotiations, contracts, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and transportation. Additionally, Jacobs sat on various committees including but not limited to; Diversity/Inclusion, Student Leadership Awards and served as the institution’s Staff Senate President. As Senate President, Jacobs acted as a primary liaison to the President and Board of Regents regarding the staff’s agenda.  

She was a standout student-athlete at Minnesota State University, Mankato, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, obtaining her Masters in Educational Administration at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and is currently a doctoral student at the University of Sioux Falls.  Jacobs has coached numerous collegiate All-Americans and has won a club national championship.  In 2017, she became the ninth head volleyball coach at Augustana University, currently serves as the ADID, and was also inducted into the Minnesota State, Mankato athletic Hall of Fame.

Brooke Rundle (she/her/hers)

Brooke is a former professional athlete who felt a strong call to empower athletes and business professionals through diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting and team building. Brooke is well-versed in hosting workshops and facilitating group trainings on implicit bias, antiracism, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion for all types of teams. She is currently working on her doctorate at the University of Western States in Sport Performance Psychology & Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

As an athlete, Brooke had an illustrious volleyball career at UC Santa Barbara where she led the Gauchos to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament twice and was named an NCAA Division 1 All-American.  After her collegiate career, she went on to play volleyball professionally in Slovenia and the Netherlands. After retiring from playing professional volleyball, she worked with Bring It Promotions (BIP) volleyball agency for over a decade negotiating contracts for professional players and hosting international volleyball tours with an emphasis on team building and philanthropy for dozens of top collegiate teams including: Creighton University, University of Northern Iowa, Princeton University, Missouri State, Gannon University, Emory University, Drake University, Cornell College and many more.

Brooke’s commitment to social justice is evidenced by the ten years she served as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of a Nicaragua–based non–profit called the Casa Llanta Fund, whose mission is to empower marginalized communities by expanding access to sports, education and employment. Since 2010 she has raised over $150,000 for the non-profit.

Brooke is a Pro Ambassador for Athlete Ally, a New York based non–profit that combats obstacles to LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports. She’s also a volunteer at the Sports Equality Foundation, a community advocacy network for LGBTQIA+ athletes, coaches and sports professionals.

Brooke is the author of the mindset training and team-building book titled Headstrong. The Headstrong book and training program provide mental performance coaching through a multicultural lens.

Brooke is originally from California, but resides in Denver, Colorado with her wife Hannah and dog Stevie.