Jenan Jondy is the REI Coordinator at Michigan State University's Center for Community and Economic Development. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biology, a minor in chemistry and Master of Social Work. Selected as an Advocacy Scholar, her studies focused on policy, advocacy, and engaging government leaders.
As a Flint native, Jondy has been dedicated to working with local communities in their effort towards greater systemic equity. Jenan has over two decades of experience in outreach, resource development, human rights work, research, and development of programs at a national and international level. She co-founded and served as board member of the Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village (SBEV), also directing SBEV’s response to address the health needs of residents during the Flint water crisis. This included a lead-screening and dermatology clinic with volunteer staff and physicians.
Her past roles have focused on providing support to student populations disproportionately affected by structural inequities in education. Collaborating with students resulted in their acceptance to their preferred higher education institution with various scholarship awards. Jenan incorporates a unique perspective and understanding of different backgrounds and cultures that she has gained from engaging with populations struggling from economic inequities, including her work with refugee and immigrant populations.
Her interests include neuroscience, sociology, economic development, community capital, housing, and education policy. Jenan is a board member of The National Coalition for Community Capital (NC3now.org). NC3 is a group of passionate community advocates that have gathered together around the possibility of using local capital to create equitable, inclusive, and resilient local economies. In her spare time, she loves everything outdoors…and is always open to suggestions for good reads! Jenan may be contacted at jondyjen@msu.edu or by phone at (517) 353-9555.