Jennifer Kouba

Jennifer Kouba grew up in Winona but moved to Texas after high school for an internship that involved traveling across the country with a team of about 30 peers putting up events in stadiums and large venues for 2 years before returning to Minnesota.

Once back in the state, Jen pursued her dream of building a career in food and events. She worked side by side with 2 families to open 3 restaurants. A few years after the second opening, she moved back to Winona, and started at St Mary’s as a catering attendant. There she discovered that she was able to do the two things she loved at the same time: events and food.

Over several years, Jen worked up the ladder to become the Director of Catering at Winona State. The reason she stayed in higher education food service was because of the students. She had a chance to make an impact, be a resource, and teach good work ethic to her students employees.

After 20 years in food service, she is happy to be working for WSU TRIO and supporting students first hand.