Jennifer Rouse was elected to Virginia Beach City Council in 2022 to serve as the District 10 representative. Born and raised in Virginia Beach, Rouse earned her undergraduate degree in English literature and graduated magna cum laude from Virginia Wesleyan University. She then earned a master’s degree in sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). While at VCU, she was awarded the prestigious L. Douglas Wilder Graduate Scholar Fellowship, which covered the full cost of tuition while also providing research opportunities focused on identifying the barriers and supports to serving low-income youth in Richmond. Rouse is an assistant professor of sociology and department chair for social sciences at Tidewater Community College. She has been recognized by Inside Business as one of Hampton Roads’ “Top 40 Under 40.” On city council, Rouse has been appointed to the Housing Advisory Board and Active Transportation Advisory Committee and is a liaison to the Minority Business Council, the Public Library Board, the Atlantic Park Community Development Authority, and the Something in the Water Festival.