Jennifer Mayeaux grew up in south Louisiana near New Orleans. She also lived in Huntsville, AL for a while. Her father was an engineer for the Apollo space program and her parents weren't very political, but her family was both conservative and religious.
Jennifer doesn't recall what she wanted to be as a child, but, being good at math, she followed in her father's footsteps to become an engineer. She received her Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from LSU and her Master's degree from Dallas Theological Seminary — very different paths!
Jennifer used to be an engineer and a conservative pastor. Now she's a strategic account manager for a company that specializes in corporate accounts payable solutions.
Jennifer has lived in Louisiana, Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, and now North Carolina. But she says that life has brought her to many places beyond geography: "I am a former conservative pastor who was a closeted transgender woman. That journey has been one of the most rewarding and most painful that I could imagine."
Jennifer ended up in Hendersonville after having lived in Nashville, TN for 20 years. Many intense things happened to her in Nashville: a gender transition, a loss of career, and a loss of family. Needing a fresh start, she moved to Hendersonville four years ago, only knowing one local person. "It has been one of the better decisions I have made. I absolutely love it here! We have some really amazing people in this little town."
Jennifer is passionate about building healthy community, especially for LGBTQ people. She has a keen interest in mental health issues and leads a support group focusing on queer issues. She is passionate about helping people, especially from conservative religious backgrounds, deconstruct their beliefs and find a spirituality that empowers and affirms their personhood. Until recently, Jennifer served on the board of Hendersonville Pride.
She enjoys cooking, exploring nature, and visiting with people about their own journey. Jennifer also enjoys speaking at rallies, protests, and occasionally in progressive and affirming churches. It is absolutely a privilege and joy to hear her speak!
Jennifer first learned about the Progressive Alliance through her friends at Hendersonville Pride and she believes that "we exist as an alternative to the prevailing culture of cruelty and dehumanization. We let like-minded folks know they are not alone. We also bring awareness to the issues we are facing and serve as a catalyst for progressive change."
"I know that these are difficult times for many. I have to somehow believe that we are going to come through this okay. We will be forever changed by the national trauma that this administration is causing. Yet, history teaches us that evil doesn’t last forever. Truth and justice will rise and have the last word. I am hoping we come out of the fire braver, stronger, more unified and more committed to justice than ever before. I am hopeful because of groups like the Progressive Alliance. Our community is our power!" ~Jennifer Mayeaux
