From Caterpillar to Community Catalyst: The Fantastic Journey of Jennifer Groce

Ever feel like your career path is anything but a straight line? That the person you are today is a collection of unexpected twists, tapped shoulders, and chances you took even when you had no idea what you were doing?

If so, then you’re going to see a bit of yourself in our latest guest on the STEAM Studio Spotlight.

We sat down with Jennifer Groce, NIU’s Director of Community Engaged Partnerships, and let me tell you, the conversation was nothing short of delightful. We went in expecting to talk about university-community relations (and we did!), but we came away with a powerful story about transformation, listening, and the courage to say “yes” to things that scare you.

It all starts with a simple, haunting question from Alice in Wonderland: “Who are you?”

For Jennifer, that question isn’t just philosophical—it’s personal. She once played the Caterpillar in a children’s theater production, a role that has become a surprisingly fitting metaphor for her entire life. She’s been constantly evolving, emerging from one cocoon after another into new and unexpected forms.

So, how does a self-proclaimed Caterpillar from Decatur end up as a key connector between a major university and its community? It involves a near-miss with a military career in charge of toilet paper (“a powerful position,” she jokes), a pivot away from law school, a decade leading a downtown revitalization, a foray into deep data research, and even a run for mayor.

Each step was guided not by a rigid plan, but by a willingness to step far outside her comfort zone when someone saw potential in her. She embodies the idea that our careers aren’t found in a catalog; they are built through a series of meaningful, sometimes scary, conversations and connections.

But this episode is so much more than a career retrospective. We dive deep into the heart of what it truly means for a university to be “community engaged.” Jennifer breaks it down with beautiful simplicity. It’s not about the university just inviting the community to its party. It’s about sitting down together and asking, “Should we even have a party? What kind of music should we play? My house or yours?”

This philosophy of reciprocity and mutual voice is revolutionary in a world that often defaults to an “us vs. them” mentality. Jennifer shares how the simple, profound act of listening—of truly seeking to understand before being understood—is the superpower that builds bridges and creates lasting change.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real impact, no matter your field, this conversation is packed with wisdom. Jennifer offers heartfelt advice for students, educators, and anyone feeling like a caterpillar on a mushroom, unsure of which way to go. Her insights on finding your passion, getting around people who inspire you, and the transformative power of community-engaged learning are worth the listen alone.

So, if you’re ready for a dose of inspiration and a masterclass in building belonging, we highly recommend you press play. Join us for a conversation that is as insightful as it is warm, and discover how one person’s unlikely journey is helping to weave a stronger, more connected community for everyone.

Listen to the full episode of STEAM Studio Spotlight now on your favorite podcast platform.