Jennie holds an MSc in rural sociology of the tropics from the Agricultural University in Wageningen, the Netherlands. After her studies she lived and worked for in various African countries for 15 years.

Since 1999 when she returned to the Netherlands, she has been working on 'fair and sustainable trade' programmes. Examples are FSC timber, fair trade and organic fruit, cotton, and oilseeds, as well as more sustainable Fresh Fruits & Vegetables for Albert Heijn - the biggest retailer in the Netherlands.

Jennie has an outstanding network in the social, ethical, and fair trade code and certification society.