Jennifer Reyes

Born in Los Angeles, California, Jennifer Reyes is a first-generation American, whose parents are Salvadoran immigrants. Marina & Salvador Reyes instilled a belief that with hard work and drive, anything is possible in their new country.  

Growing up in L.A. was a real experience of cultural immersion, having friends in the neighborhood from countries all around the world. This early opportunity gave Jennifer an acceptance about people that still lives in her heart and respectful treatment of others. When Jennifer’s parents separated, she witnessed the struggle of what a single mom goes through when trying to provide, care for, and support a child. Her mom’s strength, independence, work ethic and love is the example that Jen has always strived to emulate. Jennifer moved from L.A. as a teenager to Palmdale, CA about 75 miles north. Just that distance provided such a cultural difference and way of life. Again, another life lesson where resilience helped greatly. It was then that her maternal grandmother, “Mama Fina” came to live with them from El Salvador and having that multi-generational upbringing was priceless. Jennifer attended a parochial high school and upon graduating, enrolled at the local community college. It was then that she met and married a Minnesotan living in California. She has three daughters: Ashley (28), Megan (24), and Stephanie (19). They are her reason for everything! Jen worked as a Pharmacy Technician for Costco for 9 years, then transferred with the company, helping to open the first Costco in Minnesota, in St. Louis Park. Jen and her family lived north of the Cities but decided that Hibbing in northern MN is where they would settle, to be closer to his family, where there is a slower pace of life, good schools and affordable housing. Little did Jen realize just how much colder and more snow they get up north! Although it’s been almost 24 years since moving from Southern California to Minnesota, she’s still acclimating to the cold! 

Jennifer currently works for St. Louis County Administration department, as an Information Specialist for Commissioner Michael Jugovich. This work brings her a unique insight into what St. Louis County residents need from local governance, in a non-partisan role. The county has also been a welcoming organization that has been supportive of Jennifer and other employees to formulate the first Employee Resource Group for BIPOC members. Being in a leadership role has also been critical in developing a DEI group consisting of management, administration and employees to create the first Equity & Inclusion Officer position. Jennifer will be one of the members of the hiring panel for that pivotal role.  

Jennifer is also a licensed real estate agent for Mirabella Realty in Hibbing. She keeps busy helping clients find the perfect home or to sell their properties. Jen is a Director within the local Iron Range DFL organization, and has volunteered to door knock, make calls on behalf of candidates, and help people realize the importance of making your voice heard through voting. 

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her boyfriend Chris, playing with her two cats, cooking delicious meals, and traveling whenever possible.