OAESV 2019 Freitag Photo Edit.jpg — Communication, Culture, & Dialogue

With an invitational communication style, sense of humor, and willingness to engage difficult topics in complex and nuanced ways, Dr. Jenn Freitag breathes an ethic of humility and respect into her work. Her expertise as a communication scholar, background in crisis counseling, and experience teaching and training people of all ages make her a skilled facilitator committed to clear, accessible, and honest conversation meant to simultaneously legitimize and challenge others’ perspectives.

Known for questioning status quo assumptions about cultural dynamics, politics, pop culture, and communication, Jenn is most known for her work in the movement to end gender violence. She is dedicated to teaching and modeling dialogue as a medium for engaging social and political issues in ways that humanize individuals across cultural divides. She does not shy away from discussing the tough topics and teaches the skills necessary for others to do the same.
A creative edge is almost always present in Jenn’ s work. Her writing ranges from the practical to the academic to the poetic. She regularly incorporates elements of performance and interactive theatre into her teaching and training. As a songwriter and musician, Jenn explores complex topics through songs meant to connect with her audiences and inspire critical thought.

Dr. Jenn Freitag has a Ph.D. in Communication Studies from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and is currently a faculty member in the Department of Communication at the University of Dayton.

She has 20+ years experience engaging issues of gender violence and cultural difference through various roles as a violence prevention educator, program administrator, and crisis advocate. She has extensive experience working in and with nonprofit agencies, PreK-12 school districts, college campuses, and law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.