Jennifer Nagrath is a passionate social services advocate who has advanced healthcare initiatives at the national, state, and local levels. An approachable and experienced thought-leader, Nagrath applies compassion and common sense to resolve challenges within the communities she serves. She has demonstrated the ability to identify, develop and implement inclusive solutions that drive systemic change, from vision and strategy to execution and long-term sustainability. Throughout her decades of leadership in the non-profit sector, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of research and development, organizational behavior, ethics and financial management.
Nagrath relocated from Ohio to Florida to serve as the Assistant Director of Research and Development at McCormick Research Institute in 2019. Her experience with disenfranchised groups seeded a passion for the trauma-related studies that underpins her doctoral research and service to McCormick. Jennifer’s work involves reviewing literature that covers trauma-focused psychotherapy incorporating equine-assisted activities, providing critical analysis of standardized psychometric measures, developing rigorous research methodology, and offering curriculum development recommendations. One of Nagrath’s most important roles at McCormick is to ensure the rigor and integrity of the research as the organization refines evidence-based treatment strategies that may serve as a benchmark for equine-assisted psychotherapy providers. As well, Jennifer works closely with the Research and Development Advisory Committee. This multi-disciplinary advisory team includes leading industry and academic experts in the areas of PTSD, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Emotional Intelligence, Psychiatry, Veteran Affairs, as well as partners from the public sector.
Prior to joining McCormick, Jennifer launched and led two thriving and respected non-profits, and pioneered notable community, educational, social, and family programs: From 2000-2012, she served as a Co-Chair for Procter & Gamble International Transferees Inc., a non-profit organization that helps Procter & Gamble employees, partners, and families assimilate into their new communities; In 2000, Nagrath also was part of a group of four women that founded a nonprofit, Asian Community Alliance, a Cincinnati based organization that promotes cultural awareness and provides educational programs to empower, inspire, and foster healthy families and communities. Nagrath’s work with the Asian Community Alliance (ACA) has been recognized by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland for raising awareness on Asian American Health, recognition from the Mayor of Cincinnati for Hepatitis B initiatives for Asian Americans as well as a Community Service Award from the YWCA of Cincinnati in recognition of the organization’s work with domestic violence in the community.
Jennifer holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in Psychology with specializations in innovation, creativity, and spirituality, and a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in accounting and income tax.
Jennifer was born in India, has lived in five countries (India, Hong Kong, China, Japan, & the United States). She is passionate about serving others and is dedicated to a lifetime of empowering people to achieve their full human potential.
