Bringing Storytelling to Life: Jennifer Flores ’24 Completes Orr Fellowship
By BARBARA ALLISON
Jennifer Flores ’24, who graduated from Saint Mary’s with a degree in communications studies, recently completed the prestigious Orr Fellowship, an early-career development program that connects talented college and university graduates with businesses in Indianapolis and Evansville. One of 46 fellows in her graduating cohort, Flores joins the ranks of more than 650 high-achieving Orr professionals who are now working in their chosen fields.
When selected, Orr Fellows agree to move to Indianapolis for two full years to work in a salaried position at a host company. These companies commit to mentoring the Fellows, often giving them greater responsibilities than other new hires. Flores was matched with OneCause, an Indianapolis-based fundraising solutions company that serves the nonprofit sector. “They were hiring for a marketing role, and I felt like I could really see myself do valuable work, " Flores said.
Additionally, Orr Fellows take part in programming that focuses on community involvement, leadership and professional development. All designed to challenge, develop and propel them toward a career of excellence, those who complete their Fellowship join a network of alumni who serve as a resource for the others. Many start their own companies and hire new Fellows.
"Over the course of the program, we are inspired by the caliber of the talent and commitment these young professionals bring to our partner companies,” said Steven Emch, President of Orr Fellowship.
Flores first learned of the Orr Fellowship program as a volunteer with Project Stepping Stone, a week-long college prep program for Latino high school students across Indiana. One summer, Flores met a fellow volunteer who was an Orr Fellow alumni and told her about the post-college, early-career program.
Once Flores decided to pursue the program herself, she began working with Stacie Jeffirs, Director of Career Services at the College, during the fall of her senior year. The application process included numerous rounds of interviews, networking, and “finalist day,” where applicants are matched with dynamic, high-growth companies and organizations in Indiana.
Flores began her Fellowship in June 2024, shortly after Commencement. “I had just a few days to relax,” she said. “I had already met part of the team I would be working with at OneCause, but what I was really looking forward to with Orr was having a community of people going through a similar stage in life, early in their careers, living in the same city, and helping each other grow.”
Flores’ OneCause manager, Sarah Lewis, served as her mentor. “She would coach me on how to present data, how to pitch my ideas. She was an advocate for me if there was a project that interested me. She knew the value that came from being in that position as a former Orr Fellow herself.”
Halfway through the second year of her fellowship, OneCause was acquired by another company, and Lewis helped Flores move to a new position as Marketing Specialist with Brightmont Academy, a private one-to-one school with locations across 10 states.
Saint Mary's really gave me the confidence to put myself through new experiences and in new rooms. It helped present my talent and skills to interviewers, because it's different to learn about it in a classroom and then actually go and put yourself out there.
- Jennifer Flores '24
“In this role, I support a range of marketing initiatives, including overseeing blog strategy, social media, and our email newsletters for 25 campuses,” Flores said. “Our former chief marketing officer at OneCause, now chief marketing officer at Brightmont, knew I was an Orr Fellow. She knew my quality of work, so she was excited to bring me on, and we've been building the team since.”
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This type of network is precisely what the Orr Fellowship is about. These past two years have provided Flores with opportunities to develop a vast network of both Saint Mary’s and Orr Fellow alumni. “Recently at Brightmont, we were looking to outsource video support, and I said, ’Oh, I know an Orr Fellow who runs a video company.’ We were able to easily connect them.”
Flores credits Saint Mary’s for giving her the skills to recognize opportunities—and to lead.
“It’s more than just resources and the alumnae network,” she said. “Saint Mary's really gave me the confidence to put myself through new experiences and in new rooms. It helped present my talent and skills to interviewers, because it's different to learn about it in a classroom and then actually go and put yourself out there.”
As for the future, Flores has applied to the MBA program at Butler University, into which Orr Fellow graduates are guaranteed acceptance.
Recently, Flores asked Adriana Petty ’01 to write her a letter of recommendation for the MBA program at Butler University. Petty wrote: “Jenni was very intentional about connecting with others. She was very independent and proactive about finding internships and other leadership opportunities that she pursued which continued to develop and encourage her growth. Jenni has a unique balance of being purpose driven, focused, and leads with a servant's heart.”
The core pillars of Orr Fellowship are Career, Community, Commitment, and Continued Learning, and of the four, Flores “the biggest one is Career, because the partner companies care about investing in your potential.” For Flores, that investment has already helped shape a growing career in marketing and reinforced the confidence to continue learning and leading.
June 3, 2026