Carrying Meliora Forward

Jennifer Feliberty ’16S (MS) shares her path to volunteer leadership as she takes on the role of co-chair with the Latin Alumni Network, where she’s been a member since 2023.

Jennifer Feliberty ’16S (MS)

For Jennifer Feliberty ’16S (MS), volunteerism has been a throughline that can be followed all the way back to her days growing up in the East Elmhurst/Corona neighborhood of Queens, New York.

“Volunteering has not only allowed me to give back, but it has profoundly shaped the way I see myself, my community, and the life I want to build for my family,” Feliberty reminisced. “From an early age, service was part of my foundation. I witnessed the power of people coming together to lift one another up. I remember helping our church organize donations to send to the Caribbean after devastating hurricanes or spending weekends scrubbing graffiti off local storefronts so businesses could feel proud of their presence in the neighborhood.” Adding, she said, “These moments left a lasting impression on me: that change doesn’t always come in grand gestures, but in the small, steady actions that show people they are not alone.”

The authenticity and togetherness of her childhood community is similar to what she found following her graduation from Simon Business School. While attending a NYC Metro Women’s breakfast, she found meaningful conversation with an incredible group of women, and was moved when the group was asked, “What are you looking for help with today?”

“This experience made me realize that the University of Rochester not only strengthened my ability to solve complex problems but also genuinely wanted to understand who I am and what I seek,” she said. “Recognizing the authenticity at Rochester, I was eager to extend my engagement beyond that initial encounter. When the idea of forming the Latin Alumni Network emerged, I jumped at the opportunity to be involved in its creation and leadership.”

Now that she’s taken on the role of co-chair with the Latin Alumni Network, she is excited to follow in the footsteps of her alumnae mentors from the Women’s Network. She described Kathy Murray ’74, Barbara Grossman ’77 P’10, and Sherli Looi ’04S as “instrumental in building community within the University of Rochester and unapologetically authentic.” She feels her ethos works hand-in-hand with the University and is excited to continue to make an impact in her new role.

“Our motto, ‘Meliora,’ meaning Ever Better, resonates deeply with my personal mission. As co-chair, I focus on fostering natural mentorships across generations, starting with conversations and creating opportunities for alumni to connect,” she said.

Feliberty’s journey reflects the lasting influence of her roots and the power of carrying those values forward. She continues to embody the spirit of connection, authenticity, and mentorship. It’s an idealism she hopes to share with the alumni community, and also her daughter.

“I want her to see that true strength lies in connection, and that fulfillment comes from being part of something larger than ourselves. When she sees me show up for our community, I know I am passing down more than tradition—I am passing down a way of seeing the world with heart,” she explained.

By weaving together her personal mission with the University’s motto of Meliora, Feliberty is not only honoring her past and the mentors who paved the way for her but also ensuring that future generations of Rochester alumni feel supported, seen, and empowered.