Our Mission
The Jennifer Friedman Ackerman (JFA) Foundation exists to continue Jennifer’s legacy of caring for the Lake Highlands community and the greater Dallas area by giving back and addressing areas of need through financial support.
Getting Started
During its first year, the JFA Foundation will give back to Harper's school, Merriman Park Elementary, in the form of supplies and scholarships for children in need. So far, the Foundation has donated benches for the front area transformation of MPE along with the turf installation.
Our Long-Term Vision
Beginning in its second year, the Foundation will select two to three area organizations or charities annually to support through fundraising efforts. Jon and Harper will thoughtfully select the recipients together. Supporters can learn about chosen charities through our website and social media platforms.
“Jenn was a core of the community. Always the first to welcome, connect, include, and introduce people from all walks of life. She leaves behind a close-knit community, grown and nurtured by her love and dedication to embrace others and serve all.”
— Friends of Jenn
Jennifer’s Story
Jennifer’s life was a wonderful adventure filled with love, laughter, non-stop activity and meaningful relationships. She was an amazing wife, mother, friend, real estate agent, people person and optimist. Her friends and family miss her every minute of every day, but the lasting impact she had on everyone she knew will be felt for eternity.
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Jenn was born and raised in Plano, Texas. A very energetic young gymnast, she would later become the Plano West Cheer Captain. Jenn graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Finance, and was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
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Jenn met Jon in college and they continued dating after moving back to Dallas post-graduation. At the age of 24 and as an up-and-coming DFW Realtor, Jenn was diagnosed with breast cancer. Jon was by her side throughout treatment, and about six months after her treatment was over, they became engaged on October 24, 2009 and married on October 23, 2010. Jenn did not let her illness slow her down; she never missed a Tech football game, was the ultimate party hostess, and she showed houses 24/7. Jenn came out on top and successfully entered remission.
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The following years were marked with travel and vacations, moving into their forever Lake Highlands home, hosting friends and family at every opportunity, and Jenn winning continual real estate awards. Jenn became a household name in the Lake Highlands and Dallas area — not only because of her work ethic and sharp-selling tactics, but because she genuinely became friends with everyone she encountered.
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In 2015, Jenn and Jon welcomed their precious baby girl, Harper Michelle, into the world. Their busy lives quickly centered around her — with trips to Disney and Turks and Caicos, dance classes, recitals, pool days and the types of birthday parties people talk about forever. Harper knew her mom’s breast cancer story, and proudly joined the Komen Walk every year as one of “Jenn‘s Bosom Buddies.” Just when they hoped that walk would be one of the past, Jenn was given her second breast cancer diagnosis.
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Jenn’s second breast cancer diagnosis was different than the first, but she fought harder than anyone would have thought possible. She juggled grueling treatments during Covid, but always prioritized her family and friends every step of the way; she would take a birthday bagel to a friend after her chemo, and never let Harper know how much pain she was in while they played. She truly was a real-life superhero. On July 29, 2022, after a long battle with breast cancer, Jenn let her body have the peace it so desperately needed.
Those who knew her will never forget her impact on them and the world around her. This foundation is one way to keep her spirit alive, and to continue the good she did every day while she lived life to the fullest.
