BWJP Welcomes Jennifer Becker, Esq., as the new Director, National Center on Gun Violence and Relationships and Project Director, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms
Jennifer Becker, Esq. will serve as the Director, National Center on Gun Violence in Relationships and the Project Director, National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and Firearms
Jennifer has been using the law to address gender-based violence for 15 years. Her career began as a prosecutor in New York City where she specialized in cases involving sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. She also served as the Title IX Coordinator for the largest K-12 school district in the nation, charged with ensuring effective prevention and response to gender-based violence among students and staff. Most recently, Jennifer served as Legal Director for Legal Momentum, the Women’s Legal Defense and Education Fund where she implemented innovative legal strategies combining impact litigation, policy advocacy, and education initiatives affecting a range of issues faced by survivors of gender-based violence. During that time Jennifer worked towards passage and implementation of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2022 and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
“Jennifer's extensive legal experience and dedication to addressing gender-based violence makes her an invaluable addition to our team. Her impressive track record, from her days as a prosecutor in New York City to her work as the Legal Director for Legal Momentum, speaks volumes about her commitment to creating safer communities. We look forward to Jennifer's leadership as we continue our mission to keep survivors safe and support thriving communities." - Amy J. Sánchez, CEO BWJP
Meet Jennifer:
Q: What brought you into the field of gender-based violence?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to understand why people cause harm to others and also to understand what fairness really looks like. An incredible mentor in college exposed me to social science research related to domestic violence. And I found a path in the law to explore how we prevent and address harm and simultaneously seek fairness. My entire career has been spent working with survivors of gender-based violence and 15 years in I’m still learning about all the forms abuse and violence take and having reinforced the notion that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing it.
Q: What drew you to BWJP?
Of course I’m drawn to BWJP’s mission but I was really drawn to its vision and the way BWJP organizes its work. The way each of BWJP’s various centers is led by experts in those issue areas and BWJP brings all those intersecting issues together—it’s innovative and I’m excited to contribute to that.
Q: What are you most looking forward to working at BWJP?
The people! Some of whom I have collaborated with in other spaces. I’m so impressed by the collective expertise of BWJP’s staff and I’m excited to learn from all of them.
Q: How do you like to spend your time outside of work?
Mostly with my family—seeking out new experiences with my husband and three little kids (and fur-baby tagging along). I also make time to play tennis, read books that don’t have pictures, and love traveling to new places.
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