Getting to know Manna’s Executive Director

It’s been two years since Jennifer Schwabauer took over the reins of Manna, steering it in a new direction for the benefit of the people it serves and the longevity of the organization itself. She has spent many long days and even a few nights implementing innovative new plans and strengthening existing programs. But, with all this “burning the midnight oil” few have yet to get to know this versatile leader with the unconventional history. Although this longtime Conejo Valley resident has a passion for farming, most of her working life has been spent in the business world. From Fortune 500 companies to entrepreneurial ventures to a family farming operation, Jennifer feels every aspect of her work life has given her a unique set of skills to draw on for the position she now holds. Below are 15 things that may surprise you about Manna’s current leader. But, they may also endear you to her, because she is unconditionally part of the Conejo Valley.

1. She moved to the Conejo Valley in 1966; before the 101 freeway or the Oaks Mall was built and when the City of Westlake was still a cattle ranch.
2. She went to local schools from K-12, including Timber, Manzanita, Maple, Ascension Lutheran, Sequoia Middle School and graduated from La Reina High School.
3. Her family was involved with the Stagecoach Inn and attended the Triunfo Ball back when it was held at St. Ramon’s in Hidden Valley, and she was in the parking lot of the Inn the day it burned to the ground.
4. Her involvement in the early days of the Conejo valley brought her in contact with many community supporters like Donna Fargo, Reba Jefferies, Annette Myck, Doc and Marge Anderson & Dr. and Kay Fingerly just to name a few.
5. She attended Pierce College and graduated from CSU Fresno with a BS in Agricultural Economics.
6. Her 4-H club planted a garden in the backyard of the first Manna house for several years in the ‘70’s.
7. She volunteered at Manna in the mid-90’s while my daughter was in pre-school.
8. She knows the two men in the iconic Ed Lawrence photo of sheep being herded down Moorpark Road; they’re the ones who got her started raising sheep.
9. For 30 years she raised and showed sheep all over California and the western states.
10. From 1971-1981 she was a member of the Newbury Park and Mt. Boney 4-H Clubs, and was an adult leader in the Ventura County 4-H Program until 2012, serving on the Ventura County Council, Southern California Regional Council, Western States Regional Council, 4-H Program Development Committees, Project Leader and Co-Club Leader.
11. She represented Ventura County at the California Farm Bureau Federation.
12. She was a senior buyer with Fruit Growers Supply, an affiliate of Sunkist Growers, but was hired away to manage Litton Guidance and Controls’ $300 million inventory of government test equipment.
13. Her foray into non-profit work began in 2001 in the Development Department of the New West Symphony, followed by a stint as Development Director with the Boys & Girls Club of Moorpark. She was with The Heart Foundation before taking on her role at Manna.
14. She supports several mission projects and community programs at Calvary Community Church, where she is a member.
15. She has one child who has also raised and showed sheep in 4-H and now attends Oklahoma State University.

Jennifer proclaims, modestly, that she prefers to fly under the radar with respect to her civic involvement, but realizes that in order to champion Manna’s future she must step into the lime light once in awhile. She closes with wholeheartedly proclaiming the need and determination for the path Manna is on, and feels that in the end Manna will be a stronger more impactful organization, able to meet a wider array of client needs while strengthening the community as a whole. “I have this picture in my head”, she says, “of a warm and inviting place where people can come and find a friendly face and a sympathetic ear; a place where their immediate needs will be met, but also a place where long term solutions can be found.” To learn more about Manna and the work we are doing in the community, or how you can help please visit us on the web at www.mannaconejo.org.