Growing up in Flint exposed Jenna to diverse perspectives and backgrounds, experiences she now leverages to understand social injustice and institutional inequities.

Jenna McIntire is pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan – Flint. Jenna’s path to higher education strayed from the usual route: she graduated high school in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic but didn’t begin college until January 2024. Jenna experienced many challenges in high school, and rather than burn out, Jenna decided to take time to heal herself with a break from schooling. When she enrolled at UM-Flint, she was genuinely ready to thrive.

Jenna is currently pursuing a double major in criminal justice and sociology. She plans to become an FBI agent specializing in homicide investigations. Since beginning her studies, Jenna has maintained Dean’s List honors. Her academic excellence has also earned her several scholarships, including the Roy W. Cowden Memorial Fellowship from the prestigious Hopwood Awards Program.

As part of her studies, Jenna cultivates her cultural competency — a key skill for her future career in law enforcement. She has participated in place-based learning trips to New Orleans to study urban renewal, traveled to Cuba through the Wyatt Exploration Program to build language skills and cultural sensitivity, and studied abroad in Japan, supported by a scholarship.

Jenna is committed to serving her community. Since 2024, she has served on the Flint Township Board of Trustees. She also interns as an assistant theatre teacher at the Genesee County Juvenile Justice Center, where she mentors incarcerated youth through the Youth Arts: Unlocked program. Her resume also boasts extensive volunteer work, including at the Woodhaven Senior Community and Clean Streets Safe Streets. Jenna says these experiences have taught her empathy and compassion: “Listening and learning are far more important than simply being ‘right,’” Jenna observes.

Growing up in Flint exposed Jenna to diverse perspectives and backgrounds, experiences she now leverages to understand social injustice and institutional inequities. Her personal struggles have become her greatest strengths, fueling her passion for helping victims and families navigate life’s most difficult moments with empathy and understanding.

CEW+ cheers Jenna on her nontraditional path to higher education and names her the Susan and Richard Gutow Scholar.