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How to Win Hearts and Change Minds

Featuring Jen Schmitt

Mar 17, 2:45pm-4:00pm ET Advocacy Track
Navigating challenging conversations with parents and colleagues about antisemitism requires knowing what to say and how to say it. This isn't a lecture about antisemitism. It's a hands-on workshop that gives educators and administrators the playbook for responding effectively across your school ecosystem. Grounded in qualitative research and tested with 500,000+ people, this evidence-based workshop transforms you into a powerful communicator who can counter antisemitism with confidence. You'll understand how antisemitism shows up in schools today and why traditional responses fail, explore research-backed frameworks that leverage personal narratives and strategic terminology, and leave with tools and strategies you can implement immediately in parent meetings and staff conversations. Walk away equipped to craft messages that change minds, navigate and lead difficult conversations. Every conversation is an opportunity to create real change—are you ready?

Speakers

Jen Schmitt

ADL Vice President, Central Division

As Vice President of the Central Division, Jen Schmitt and her team work daily to fight antisemitism and all forms of hate in the Florida, Heartland, Michigan, Midwest, Mountain States, Southeast and South Central regions. She joined ADL in February 2024.

Prior to joining ADL, Jen spent the last 12 years at Teach For America where she held systems leadership roles across finance and operations. She was responsible for strategy and execution of a portfolio of 12-25 regions to ensure upwards of $75M was raised, regions achieved ambitious programmatic results, and teams up to 250 staff had a strong experience in their roles. Jen started her career in Big Four public accounting with PwC where she obtained her CPA license and advanced quickly, leading Fortune 100/500 oil and gas audits. Beyond her professional achievements, Jen is deeply committed to service. She is involved in her local community and is an active board member of Triage Cancer.

Jen has an undergraduate and graduate degree in business from Trinity University in San Antonio and a masters in organizational psychology from University of Hartford.