Jennifer McDowell

 

 
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Owner/CEO, Astrid Defense

Astrid Defenses’ Senior Firearms Instructor, Jennifer McDowell, has been a professional educator and trainer for more than two decades. She has trained employees of multiple corporations across the Midwest in Leadership, Project Management, and Business Communications. Jennifer has also educated students at several Twin Cities Colleges and Universities including the University of Minnesota.

Utilizing her passions and skills, Jennifer McDowell launched Astrid Defense in early 2017 with the goal of teaching women firearms safety, personal, and unarmed defense. Astrid Defense training is now offered to women and men with select courses designed for women only. The company continues to grow and expand its purpose-designed courses along with unique training offerings especially for students who have never handled a firearm.

Jennifer holds National Certifications as a Pistol Instructor and a Range Safety Officer. She is dedicated to continually improving her many skillsets. Jennifer McDowell trains annually in defensive and tactical shooting courses with National and International military, law enforcement, and civilian Master instructors. In addition she is an active volunteer for the Minnesota DNR’s Youth Firearms Safety and Field Day. Jennifer is a practitioner of Krav Maga (self defense), and is also an accomplished Equestrian.

Some of Jennifer’s Training & Certifications:

  • Anti-Carjacking Workshop (IKMF 2021)

  • Defensive Shooting Workshop (IKMF 2021)

  • Stop the Bleed/Basic Life Support/Stop the Bleed (Cottage Grove Fire Department 2021)

  • Dynamic Home Defense (2020)

  • Tactical Shooting Course (IKMF 2019)

  • First Aid For First Responders (2019)

  • Military Instructors Course (IKMF 2018)

  • Advanced Judgement Training (2018)

  • AR for Home Defense (2018)

  • NRA Certification- Pistol Instructor 2016-recertification (2020)

  • NRA Certification- Range Safety Officer 2016 -recertification (2020)

  • Continual practitioner of Krav Maga (personal defense training, since 2016)

  • Has served in the USAF and ANG