By Rebecca Barnes, Publisher, Prince William Living
Jennifer Katac has been nominated for the 2026 Prince William Living Influential Women Awards for her compassionate leadership and life-changing work in adult literacy and immigrant support across Greater Prince William.
As Executive Director of BEACON for English Language & Literacy, Jennifer leads with empathy, foresight, and a deep commitment to dignity through education. Since joining BEACON in November 2021 as Program Manager and quickly being promoted to Executive Director, she has guided the organization through significant growth, innovation, and moments of profound uncertainty for the communities it serves.
Her nominator shared that Jennifer “took the lead in working with an immigration attorney to offer valuable training for BEACON Board members, staff, and volunteers in the wake of ICE raids and national immigration enforcement.” In addition to this proactive training, Jennifer ensured BEACON developed clear, written policies to respond thoughtfully and consistently to evolving immigration enforcement changes, helping staff and volunteers support students with confidence and care.
Under Jennifer’s leadership, BEACON has expanded both access and flexibility in adult education. She launched free English Learning Circles, conversational language classes designed for students who cannot enroll in traditional courses due to work schedules, childcare responsibilities, or transportation barriers. She also oversaw the expansion of in-person class sites, strengthened online learning options, and created a comprehensive online student resource page that makes essential information easy to find and use.
Jennifer also organized a “Know Your Rights” seminar in partnership with a local immigration attorney, drawing more than 90 attendees and providing critical, timely information to immigrant community members navigating an increasingly complex landscape.
The impact of Jennifer’s leadership is most visible in the lives of BEACON students themselves. One nominator noted that “several mothers from Afghanistan talked about how they are now able to speak with their children’s teachers, take them to doctors’ appointments, and simply read labels as they shop for their families.” Another student, formerly trained as a pharmacist in the Ukraine, gained enough English proficiency through BEACON’s programs to begin studying to be a licensed Practical Nurse in the United States
Beyond outcomes and programs, Jennifer’s nomination highlights her presence and humanity. “While watching her interact with students during registration, it is clear that she cares deeply about them,” her nominator wrote, pointing to her consistent compassion, respect, and enthusiasm for BEACON’s mission.
Jennifer’s career has long been rooted in service to vulnerable populations. Prior to BEACON, she spent more than 16 years at the Animal Welfare League of Arlington in various leadership roles, including overseeing volunteer and community outreach departments. She later worked with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), managing volunteers who advocate for children in the foster care system. She has also worked directly with refugee and immigrant communities, supporting incoming Afghan refugees and serving as a Bilingual Vaccine Outreach Worker with the Centreville Immigration Forum to help ensure equitable access to critical health information.
A Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Jennifer served in Panama from 1999 to 2001, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to cross-cultural understanding and community empowerment. She is fluent in Spanish, has a long history of volunteer management, and remains actively engaged in civic life, including serving as an election officer in Manassas Park and volunteering with local immigrant-support organizations. She has also mentored the same youth for nearly a decade, beginning with two years through Fairfax Befriend-a-Child and continuing individually, supporting the student through high school and, hopefully, beyond.
Jennifer Katac is being nominated because her leadership restores dignity, builds opportunity, and strengthens the fabric of the Prince William community through education, advocacy, and service. Her work reflects the very heart of what it means to be an Influential Woman.
Celebrate Our Nominees
Jennifer Katac and other 2026 Prince William Living Influential Women Awards nominees will be recognized at the Influential Women Awards Celebration on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Sweeney Barn in Manassas. Tickets and event details are available at
https://princewilliamliving.com/influential-women/
Rebecca Barnes is the Publisher of Prince William Living and the founder of the Influential Women Awards, created to honor women whose leadership, service, and professional accomplishments strengthen the Greater Prince William community. As a business owner, nonprofit leader, and long-standing advocate for local engagement, Rebecca has dedicated more than two decades to spotlighting the people and organizations that make Prince William, Manassas, and Manassas Park thrive. Through her work in media, destination branding, and community partnerships, she continues to amplify stories of impact and ensure that those who give back receive recognition equal to their contribution.
