hoffman, born in tucson, arizona, attended the gregory school from 1993 to 1999, later serving as a member of the board of trustees. in 1995 she led the three member team to win the united states national chess championship. jean attended yale university earning a bachelor's degree in history. following her graduation she worked for the new york city nonprofit organization chess in the schools. in 2007, she earned a master's degree in urban education from harvard university.