LeAnn Jenkins joins Equity Institute team at YWCA Evanston/North Shore

LeAnn Jenkins has joined YWCA Evanston/North Shore in the newly created role of Equity Institute coordinator.In this position, she will manage and administer the Equity Institute’s training, workshops, and other engagement programs, which are dedicated to promoting racial and gender equity at the individual and institutional level.Jenkins has 11 years of experience in program development and management, event planning, communications, and partnership development. In this work, she focused on helping organizations and groups integrate equity and justice into their missions, identities, and core commitments.She said she is looking forward to focusing solely on equity work.

“I’m excited to be part of a team that exists to see equity transformed into action. The communities we serve at YWCA are ready for more. They are saying ‘walk alongside us, give us more.’"

She added, “On my first day of work here, I was already out in the community interacting with people. I was really impressed because a lot of people told me that the YWCA is the gold standard for so many things. I’m really happy to be part of a team that can build on this deep respect and trust within the community and help them do the work.”Jenkins has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and a master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago.YWCA Evanston/North Shore works to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families, and strengthen local communities. It serves more than 10,000 people annually in northern Cook County and provides comprehensive domestic violence services to families in need.Learn more about YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Equity Institute at www.ywca-ens.org/equity-institute/.