Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Jennifer Roller from The Raymond John Wean Foundation.
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Name: Jennifer Roller
Position: President
Organization: The Raymond John Wean Foundation
Bio:
Jennifer Roller is the president of The Raymond John Wean Foundation where she seeks to carry out its vision of empowered residents creating an equitable Mahoning Valley, the community she calls home. A life-long resident of Youngstown, Ohio, Jennifer is a product of its public school system and Youngstown State University, from which she earned bachelor and master’s degrees. Following several years in the nonprofit sector in various direct services positions, Jennifer led the development and implementation of multiple student services programs committed to college preparation, entrance and completion.
Joining the Wean Foundation in 2007, Jennifer served in various capacities before assuming her current role as president in 2014. Jennifer leads the Foundation’s efforts in building and strengthening strategic partnerships with Valley stakeholders and is passionate about equitable community- building. She promotes fresh thinking, courageous conversations, and resident-led approaches to address the systems of advantage that hold problems in place. Under Jennifer’s leadership, the Foundation has moved race equity and inclusion to the center of its work.
What made you want to go into this field?
Prior to working with the Wean Foundation, I was familiar only with federal funding and funding through family trusts. Community engagement has been a consistent theme through many of my roles, so this along with my familiarity with nonprofits, and a strong sense of community made me a good match for my initial role which was that of program officer.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
My network or “my people”. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to be in community with folks who see and acknowledge my gifts, talents and skills, from family and friends to educators to coworkers and supervisors in various roles.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
I wish I could narrow it to just one perhaps it’s all encompassing – overwhelming myself by taking “go big or go home” literally. I call it the “ugliest prom dress ever” in honor of a prom dress I designed in high school. It was asymmetrical with petals, ruching, and lace tiers. And I accessorized with fuchsia lace gloves and shoes. I’m learning that though I am passionate about my job, I can deliver my work with excellence without going overboard which can be exhausting for me and those who work with me.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I’d learn the lesson much earlier that “I am enough”.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
I am inspired by those who’ve come before, those work right along side me, and those readying themselves for their turn.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life? Hands down, being a mom, is my best accomplishment in my life and I’ve shown up in the way that I have because of the partnership with my husband of 31 years.
Who is your role model and Why? There are many and it really depends on the time periods of my life. Regardless of if my role models are famous or up close and personal, my role models are characterized by being loyal, genuine, forgiving, vulnerable, funny, loving, no nonsense but gentle and kind, who I imagine love me on my worst day like it’s my best day.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
Though I’ve met Angela Glover Blackwell, a leading voice for equity in America, I’d gladly accept the opportunity to meet her again. I’d love to hear more about her and her life, which has allowed her to so eloquently speak to what she believes in, with passion and confidence.
A favorite quote that you live by?
Psalm 46:10, which was my Grandma Tootsie’s favorite Bible verse, “Be still and know that I am God”. I can’t say that I live by it, but I try very hard.
