Jennifer Schultz is a trailblazer in business, education, and entrepreneurship and is a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. With a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and a minor in IT, Jennifer combines her technical expertise with her entrepreneurial spirit to create impactful businesses and foster community growth.
A Navy veteran who served during the transformative Women At Sea initiative in the mid-90s, Jennifer was a pioneer as the first woman stationed at Commander Submarine Development Group 1. This groundbreaking initiative opened the doors for women to serve on combatant ships, significantly impacting the Navy community by promoting gender equality and breaking down barriers in traditionally male-dominated roles. Jennifer’s experience in the Navy set the stage for her career as a female trailblazer, breaking barriers and championing inclusivity and diversity in all her endeavors.
As the owner of The Merchant, a vibrant gift shop and art gallery featuring over 100 local artists, makers, and craftspeople, and The Crislip Cafe, a popular craft coffeehouse known for its unique events like Bridgerton Afternoon Tea and Wine & Chocolate pairings, Jennifer showcases her dedication to supporting local talent and creating spaces where creativity and community thrive.
Jennifer is at the forefront of initiatives that empower women to excel in business. She was one of the original co-founders of the dynamic St. Pete Girl Boss group, which started with a handful of female entrepreneurs meeting at her coffeehouse to talk shop. She currently serves as the Program Director of the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre, whose mission is to help female entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses with free one-on-one business coaching, webinars, and in-person training and events. This non-profit is partially funded annually by the Small Business Administration (SBA).
Her 20+ years of IT leadership experience with the federal government and Department of Justice underscore her expertise and commitment to breaking barriers. Serving on the National Advisory Board of the Association of Women’s Business Centers, where she advocates to Congress and policymakers to influence legislation that supports female entrepreneurs and provides them with the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed. A member of numerous local business and arts organizations, Jennifer is a lifelong learner, champion for entrepreneurship, and patron of the arts – inspiring others to pursue their passions with confidence and creativity. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, community, self-growth and innovation.
