About Jen – Jen Terrasa

About Jen Terrasa

I am running for delegate because I want to continue serving our community and improving life for everyone in Howard County. These uncertain times on the national political scene call for state and local representatives to play an even greater role in addressing the problems that were once addressed at the national level, and, as a delegate, I know I will be part of the solution.

As a legislator, I have experience being a voice for the people, standing up for our shared values, and solving problems to address community concerns. As a resident of Howard County for more than 40 years, I am passionate about serving the community where I grew up and where I have chosen to raise my three children. I’ve had the honor of serving Howard County’s District 3 for over a decade, and during this time, I have consistently spoken out on issues that impact my community, from healthcare to transportation to education to making sure we are doing what needs to be done to ensure that members of our disability community are able to fully participate.

Now, I look forward to using my experience and passion to make a difference for the County on the State level. My education and training as a lawyer and mediator, my experience as an activist, my nearly 12 years serving as a member of the Howard County Council, and my deep roots in this community combine to make me highly and uniquely qualified to represent our community at the State level. Prior to serving as a County Councilmember, I served on the Howard County Planning Board, on the Kings Contrivance Village Board, and as my HOA president which gave me hands-on experience addressing local issues. During my time on the Council, I have also served as the Council’s representative to the Legislative committee of MACo (Maryland Association of Counties) which has given me a strong background in state issues and legislative solutions.
As your county councilwoman, I listen, I care, and I act. I look forward to bringing this same approach to work for you as your state delegate.

Councilwoman Jen Terrasa was elected to the County Council in November 2006 to represent Howard County’s third district, which includes Allview, North Laurel, Savage, Guilford, and portions of Jessup as well as the villages of Kings Contrivance and Owen Brown in Columbia. A resident of Howard County for over 40 years, Jen is deeply rooted in the Howard County and genuinely committed to its future, having served the community in a number of roles as a community advocate, president of her homeowner’s association, vice-chair and member of the Kings Contrivance Village Board, and member of the Howard County Planning Board.

After graduating from Oakland Mills High School, she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Maryland at College Park, and went on to graduate summa cum laude from the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she was editor of the Law Review. Before being elected to the Howard County Council, Jen worked for The Women’s Law Center of Maryland and taught at the University of Baltimore Law School.

Jen is the mother of three children, Tony, Kelsey and Joey. She is proud to raise her children in Howard County, where they can enjoy the high quality of life Howard County has to offer and be part of a diverse and thriving community. A product of Howard County public schools and a 40-year resident, Jen looks forward to continuing her work to help make Howard County a great place for families. On the County Council, Jen has provided the leadership necessary to improve our quality of life.