Jen Greenstreet

BIO

After eight years as a prosecuting attorney in Jackson County, Jen Greenstreet decided it was time for a change—but not in the law, in her career path. She took a chance and founded a nonprofit organization, Just Like You Films, which creates, produces and distributes reality films featuring children facing unique circumstances such as severe burns, cancer, Down syndrome, and autism. “Having the opportunity to help create films that ease pain, educate and make the world a more understanding place has definitely been my most fulfilling accomplishment,” she says.

Jen has directed ten short films and written three feature-length films. Distributed internationally, her work has helped change attitudes and perspectives of children and adults all over the world. The Brazilian government recently instituted a program through which the Down Syndrome film will be shown in every state health care facility, reaching over 94 million people. The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, National Down Syndrome Society, Down Syndrome Guild and Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics regularly utilize JLY films. The Down Syndrome film was viewed by the United Nations General Assembly. Just Like You Films received the 2013 TASH Positive Images in the Media Award, the 2014 NDSC Education Award, the AMC Cares Award and were nominated in 4 categories and won The 2014 Golden Door International Film Festival Raising Awareness Award. In October 2014, Jen partnered with KCPT to launch our Just Like You Films on Learn 360, an educational video subscription platform reaching 8 million kids in 25,000 schools in the United States and Canada.

Jen plans to continue producing films that encourage broader societal acceptance of a larger variety of unique conditions. Public service has always been an important part of her life, and a major contributor to her motivation, she said. Through building and developing relationships and entering every situation with a positive attitude and compassion, she has learned how to make her career her passion.