Carrying Meliora Forward
Carrying Meliora Forward
Jennifer Feliberty ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™16S (MS) shares her path to volunteer leadership as she takes on the role of co-chair with the Latin Alumni Network, where sheÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s been a member since 2023.
For Jennifer Feliberty ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™16S (MS), volunteerism has been a throughline that can be followed all the way back to her days growing up in the East Elmhurst/Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York.
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œVolunteering has not only allowed me to give back, but it has profoundly shaped the way I see myself, my community, and the life I want to build for my family,ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½� Feliberty reminisced. “From an early age, service was part of my foundation. I witnessed the power of people coming together to lift one another up. I remember helping our church organize donations to send to the Caribbean after devastating hurricanes or spending weekends scrubbing graffiti off local storefronts so businesses could feel proud of their presence in the neighborhood.ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½� Adding, she said, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œThese moments left a lasting impression on me: that change doesnÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™t always come in grand gestures, but in the small, steady actions that show people they are not alone.ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½�
The authenticity and togetherness of her childhood community is similar to what she found following her graduation from Simon Business School. While attending a NYC Metro WomenÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s breakfast, she found meaningful conversation with an incredible group of women, and was moved when the group was asked, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œWhat are you looking for help with today?ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½�
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œThis experience made me realize that the University of Rochester not only strengthened my ability to solve complex problems but also genuinely wanted to understand who I am and what I seek,ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½� she said. ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œRecognizing the authenticity at Rochester, I was eager to extend my engagement beyond that initial encounter. When the idea of forming the Latin Alumni Network emerged, I jumped at the opportunity to be involved in its creation and leadership.ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½�
Now that sheÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s taken on the role of co-chair with the Latin Alumni Network, she is excited to follow in the footsteps of her alumnae mentors from the WomenÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s Network. She described Kathy Murray ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™74, Barbara Grossman ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™77 PÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™10, and Sherli Looi ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™04S as ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œinstrumental in building community within the University of Rochester and unapologetically authentic.ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½� She feels her ethos works hand-in-hand with the University and is excited to continue to make an impact in her new role.
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œOur motto, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½˜Meliora,ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™ meaning Ever Better, resonates deeply with my personal mission. As co-chair, I focus on fostering natural mentorships across generations, starting with conversations and creating opportunities for alumni to connect,ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½� she said.
FelibertyÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s journey reflects the lasting influence of her roots and the power of carrying those values forward. She continues to embody the spirit of connection, authenticity, and mentorship. ItÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s an idealism she hopes to share with the alumni community, and also her daughter.
ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œI want her to see that true strength lies in connection, and that fulfillment comes from being part of something larger than ourselves. When she sees me show up for our community, I know I am passing down more than traditionÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½”I am passing down a way of seeing the world with heart,ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½� she explained.
By weaving together her personal mission with the UniversityÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s motto of Meliora, Feliberty is not only honoring her past and the mentors who paved the way for her but also ensuring that future generations of Rochester alumni feel supported, seen, and empowered.
Get involved
As Jenn explained, ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½œThere is value in gradually building and allowing time to help grow your endeavors.ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½�
Feliberty also serves in volunteer roles for the Metro NYC WomenÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s Network, , and the For Ever Better Campaign Planning Committee.
Take that first small step and get involved in one of our upcoming events, like a New York Metro WomenÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½™s Network virtual nosh & network event or the .
It just takes one small step to get started!



