Meet the Staff
Director
djenson@CalLutheran.edu
805-493-3677
Dena Jenson serves as the Director of the Center for Nonprofit Leadership (CNL)
at California Lutheran University. Founded in 1991 at VCCF, the Center for Nonprofit
Leadership provides leadership development, training, technical assistance, and access
to resources that reflect its name, strengthening the leadership of nonprofit organizations
serving the region.
With over 25 years of nonprofit executive experience, Dena frequently serves as a speaker and trainer on leadership development, organizational capacity, board governance and nonprofit business development. She believes deeply in the power of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector's role in creating a just society. From small efforts taking shape around a kitchen table to our community's most recognized charitable organizations, Dena is committed to the Center's mission of "helping nonprofit leaders do better at doing good".
Dena has a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a minor in Women's Studies from California State University, Long Beach. Dena has served on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties Chapter and the Townies Podcast, Inc. She is also a former board member of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits).
A lifelong learner, Dena completed Courage to Lead, a yearlong leadership development program for experienced executives. In 2018, she was selected Nonprofit Leader of the Year by the Ventura County Leadership Academy and was recognized as Community Advocate of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners, Ventura County Chapter. In 2024, Dena was named one of the Top 50 Women in Business by the Pacific Coast Business Times.
She lives in Ventura with her husband Jim and a tuxedo cat who runs the show.
With over 25 years of nonprofit executive experience, Dena frequently serves as a speaker and trainer on leadership development, organizational capacity, board governance and nonprofit business development. She believes deeply in the power of philanthropy and the nonprofit sector's role in creating a just society. From small efforts taking shape around a kitchen table to our community's most recognized charitable organizations, Dena is committed to the Center's mission of "helping nonprofit leaders do better at doing good".
Dena has a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a minor in Women's Studies from California State University, Long Beach. Dena has served on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Santa Barbara & Ventura Counties Chapter and the Townies Podcast, Inc. She is also a former board member of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits).
A lifelong learner, Dena completed Courage to Lead, a yearlong leadership development program for experienced executives. In 2018, she was selected Nonprofit Leader of the Year by the Ventura County Leadership Academy and was recognized as Community Advocate of the Year by the National Association of Women Business Owners, Ventura County Chapter. In 2024, Dena was named one of the Top 50 Women in Business by the Pacific Coast Business Times.
She lives in Ventura with her husband Jim and a tuxedo cat who runs the show.
