Jenney Egertson began her career as a storyteller in the classroom, teaching English at a St. Louis alternative high school. Her way with words led her to success as a freelance writer and, eventually, as a corporate executive. Wherever she went, her work was driven by her love for meaningful connection.

In 2000, after a memorable encounter with an 80-year-old woman, Jenney was inspired to help elevate the advice, stories, and hearts of the wise women around her. Over the course of eighteen years, she interviewed, came to love, and wrote about six women—collecting precious voices that became the chorus of her first book, Before I Leave.

While visiting Selma, Alabama, the hometown of one of her subjects, Jenney met former mayor George Evans . . . who had a story to tell of his own. Their fast friendship charted a path toward Jenney’s second book, Selma’s Mayor. A mix of memoir and nonfiction writing, Jenney seamlessly weaves Evans’ historic leadership with its modern-day impacts. Although Evans passed before the project was completed, his story is told with the heart and attention to detail that only comes through true friendship and admiration.

When she’s not writing, Jenney enjoys traveling far and wide with her partner, caring for her beloved greyhound and adorable chihuahua, and fishing—either alone at a city lake or with anyone who can show her a new spot! She also is sure to set aside time for her most favorite pastimes: spending time with her chidren, grandchildren, and friends, and reading.