Women's Lunch Place Announces New Executive Director

Women’s Lunch Place, a unique multi-service organization, providing a day shelter to more than 1500 women struggling with hunger, homelessness and mental health disorders, announces the hiring of Jennifer Hanlon Wigon as its new Executive Director. After an in-depth search, the Board is delighted that our search committee secured the strongest applicant who was already doing important work within Women’s Lunch Place.

Jennifer is the ideal person to step in at this time as she possesses a deep understanding of our mission and the needs of vulnerable women with the vision to take us to a higher level and continue to move Women’s Lunch Place forward. For nearly a decade Jennifer has held leadership roles in non-profits in the greater Boston community focused on increasing access to services for marginalized populations. Recently, Jennifer provided key leadership at Women’s Lunch Place, first as the Volunteer Manager before moving into the role as Director or Finance and Human Resources.

“I  am thrilled that Jennifer will be Women’s Lunch Place’s next leader. She is a visionary with a lifelong commitment to justice and equity. Jennifer has steadily emerged as a trusted senior leader,” said Kay Calvert, board chair of Women’s Lunch Place.

Jennifer will oversee all operations and will work closely with the staff and board to sustain and deepen services, continue to build strategic partnerships, and raise the visibility of the organization. “I have had the privilege of working closely with Jennifer for the last year and have the utmost confidence in her knowledge, passion and commitment to the needs of our guests and employees,” said Judy Beckler, Interim Executive Director.  

Jennifer Hanlon Wigon will begin transitioning into the role in November and will work closely with Judy Beckler, Interim Executive Director, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

“I am excited about the work ahead and committed to leading with a keen focus on how precarious our guests lives are - while steering Women’s Lunch Place into the future that ensures our gifted team and collaborative partners are able to continue to respond with high quality services,” said Jennifer Hanlon Wigon.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Boston College and a Master in Business Administration from Babson College.