Empowerment Enthusiast, Dr. Gena Jerkins
In the heart of Houston, a woman is exhibiting what it means to overcome and empower. From being labeled “at risk” in 3rd grade to leading an organization that takes actions that change our communities, her journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the power of believing in the potential of every individual. Meet Dr. Gena Jerkins, Executive Director of the Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity (HEF), who has dedicated her life to challenging stereotypes and championing change.
Overcoming “At-Risk” Labels
Growing up below the poverty line as one of eight children, Dr. Jerkins discovered early on the harsh labels society can impose. Yet, instead of being defined by them, she chose to defy them. Dr. Jerkins has obtained a Bachelor of Art, Master of Curriculum and Instruction, Doctorate of Educational Leadership, Master of Christian Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary, and, most recently, a Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Licensure. Her academic accolades are more than just personal achievements; they’re milestones in her mission to serve and uplift those who grew up in circumstances like hers. “I want anyone with a similar background to know that you are good enough,”
she asserts, challenging the notion that high degrees are the sole measure of worth. Her belief is profound: “There are no at-risk people, only at-risk conditions.” This perspective shapes her work at HEF, where she works to fund under-resourced Houston nonprofits and small businesses that empower and uplift.
Her Vision for Houston: Humanity Seeing Humanity
Dr. Jerkins’ vision for Houston is clear – a community that recognizes and responds to its collective humanity. She recounts the story of a HEF grantee who used grant funds to purchase a van to transport adults with an intellectual or mental health disability to important appointments. Learning about this grantee highlighted for Dr. Jerkins the overlooked struggle that often leads to people with these challenges being unhoused. This story is a powerful reminder that behind every societal issue, there’s a human face and a story needing understanding and compassion. Houston, Dr. Jerkins believes, has the resources and the capacity to address its challenges; we just need to scale them.
Empowering Women and Youth
Dubbed an “empowerment enthusiast,” her initiatives speak volumes. The monthly Lunch & Lift program she launched in August of 2023 with eight participants has become a beacon for women in the small businesses and nonprofit sectors, offering a space for connection, camaraderie, and change. The most recent February 2024 event hosted over 125 attendees, showing that these gatherings underscore Dr. Jerkins’ commitment to creating environments where individuals feel safe to dream and redefine their paths.
In regards to uplifting youth, her work focuses on practical empowerment through education and providing resources to give students a leg up. By collaborating with local universities, HEF provides scholarships, book funding, and other resources to equip students with knowledge and choices. Dr. Jerkins said, “Exposure, education, and empowerment are essential. We desire that our young people go further faster than many before us ever had the opportunity to do so.”
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Dr. Jerkins shared that the relationship with Greater Houston Community Foundation (Foundation) is pivotal to HEF’s ability to catalyze its impact. HEF is a supporting organization of the Foundation, which enables HEF to access a customized suite of services to help with its operations, ranging from board meeting logistics to grant application processes. Dr. Jerkins described the working relationship with the Foundation: “They [the Foundation] have become part of my work family. They have leaned in beyond the requirements of our contract as a supporting organization and are such devoted, vested stakeholders in the work we are about. I understand the difference between needing to come to a meeting to do the logistical paperwork and being on the front row of an event to celebrate our team’s wins, clapping loudly. I couldn’t pick better people.” These two organizations, HEF and the Foundation, have shared goals of making a tangible impact on the community.
Navigating Obstacles with Passion
Dr. Jerkins’ road has not been without its challenges. Facing skepticism and additional scrutiny as a Black woman, particularly in financial matters, she’s had to balance staying true to herself while serving others. Dr. Jerkins shared, “The passion has to be greater than the problems you are trying to solve. There are a lot of politics, policies, rules, and hidden agendas to navigate. Your truth, designated passion, and purpose must be clear, and only your moral compass can guide you. I can name a host of hurdles I have overcome just because of my own skin that I live in. There have been so many times when I am trying to get a donor to know that I can handle money and funds with integrity [with regards to being a Black female], but I have to sift through a certain set of extra questions. Those questions are clear to me – they are only being asked because of how I am packaged. Often, I am faced with the struggle of having to toe the line of giving up my right to be frustrated about these extra questions while not causing my pride to forfeit the opportunity I am fighting for to better my community.” Despite the many obstacles she can often face, Dr. Jerkins’ commitment to her mission remains unshaken. Meeting people where they are, without compromising her personal beliefs and values, is a tango she often dances.
Dr. Jerkins’ story is a call to action for all Houstonians and beyond. It’s an invitation to see beyond labels and stereotypes, to recognize and nurture the potential in each other, and to build a community where everyone is empowered to change their narrative. Dr. Jerkins’ words and actions embody the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and hope.
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