Jennifer Ankofski

PMP-certified Project Manager | Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Driven by purpose, caffeine, and an arguably unhealthy obsession with organization.

About Me

I love helping people solve problems and make things better. Whether it’s improving processes to make jobs easier, creating programming to help students succeed, or streamlining volunteer management to help people help animals, I find the most satisfaction in work that makes a positive difference.

I created this site to provide a more personal look at my work and professional journey than a resume or LinkedIn profile can offer. Here you'll find highlights from my career, recent projects, certifications, and a little about who I am outside of work.

Recent Projects

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Due to the nature of government work, project descriptions are intentionally vague.

Document Development and Review Process

Worked with program staff to clarify and improve how new documents are drafted and approved. The redesigned process established reviewer roles, timelines, and a feedback structure that makes the entire cycle faster and more consistent.

Improving Quality Control Reviews

Partnered with a statewide team to evaluate and improve a complex case review process with strict federal deadlines. Facilitated discussions with frontline staff and leadership to redesign workflows, clarify roles and expectations, and identify opportunities to improve consistency and efficiency. The resulting process reduced unnecessary rework, standardized key resources and procedures, and improved the team's ability to complete reviews accurately and on time.

Preparing for System Modernization

Helped a statewide program prepare for upcoming system changes. Worked with program staff to document and streamline existing workflows, identify improvement opportunities, and create a prioritized “Wishlist” of future system features to guide the next phase of automation and technology investment.

Engagement Action Planning

Visited offices that scored in the lowest 20% on the annual employee engagement survey. Facilitated focus groups and guided teams through structured conversations to identify root causes, share feedback with leadership, and develop practical, data-informed action plans to improve communication, morale, and overall engagement.

Other Notable Achievements

Volunteer Coordinator Highlights

Happy Feet Pet Rescue

Built a structured onboarding program with a formal orientation that I designed and led myself every month.
Launched a peer-trainer team to pair experienced volunteers with newcomers, boosting engagement and creating a culture of mentorship.
Created compliance tools for animal care, including a medication tracking system and vaccination tracker, ensuring every animal receives consistent, high-quality care.
Streamlined every touchpoint of volunteer communication: combined application + waiver, standardized onboarding and FAQ messages, quick reminders for shifts and meds, and a weekly email newsletter that keeps everyone engaged.

Pathways to Potential Success Coach Highlights

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Independently built the Pathways to Potential (P2P) program in a local elementary school with little more instruction than “here’s your school, go fix everything.” Created programming, partnerships, and events that continue to make a lasting impact on students and families.
Developed a partnership with Henry Ford Museum, starting with a successful school pilot and then expanding to all P2P schools in Oakland County, giving hundreds of students access to immersive cultural learning experiences.
Created All-Star Night, a celebration recognizing student achievements in attendance, citizenship, and academics. Recruited volunteers, managed logistics, and brought the event to life.
Launched a Kindness Club to reward students for showing exemplary citizenship and being kind to others. Designed the nomination process, organized monthly activities, and personally hosted each event.
Started an end-of-year book giveaway so every student could take home a book they loved. I secured a corporate sponsor, hand-picked every title, and hosted the event in a classroom that I transformed for one day into a “bookshop”.

Professional Certifications

Professional Profiles

Explore my professional background, experience, and career updates.

Project Management Institute (PMI)

Explore my official Project Management Institute (PMI) public profile.