WASHINGTON, D.C., August 22, 2022–– Jack and Jill of America Foundation celebrates $3,000,000 in fundraising, the 2022-2023 grant awardees to nonprofits and organizations with a shared vision of “Transforming African American Communities, One Child At A Time” and the newest community board members elected to the Foundation Board of Trustees.
“The past two years have been nothing short of pivotal—for the nation and for our organizations. Living through a pandemic has challenged us all in immeasurable ways,” said Pier AH Blake, Jack and Jill Foundation Executive Director. “We were challenged to dig deeper, be more resourceful and step out of our comfort zones. These are challenges members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. have all graciously accepted and risen above as they embodied the legacy of the mothers before them who started this great foundation in 1968.”
As part of the education initiatives, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. chapters across the country partnered to create 45 reading corners supporting early literacy for 35,000 students, invested in 20 STEM partner organizations that worked to provide STEM-based training and enrichment to help them pursue STEM degrees and careers. The foundation has invested in the future of six scholars and renewed its support of 18 others with a total investment of $132,000 into the Jack and Jill Scholars 4-year scholarship program. Thanks to the Jacqueline Moore Bowles and Creative Marketing Resources scholarship program, six students have received an investment of $20,000 since 2020. In 2021-2022 the scholarship was increased to $50,000 to make a greater impact for students.
“Thank you for funding this scholarship and making it possible for me to attend Howard University. My educational goals are to not only receive my Bachelors in Architectural Engineering and obtain a Master’s in Architectural Engineering,” said Arriel Barganier, a 2021 Scholarship recipient. “Receiving the Jack and Jill America Foundation Scholarship will ease my mother’s burden. She is a single parent who will do what it takes to make sure her only child succeeds.”
The Foundation also announced its newly elected Board Leadership that was installed at its 55rd Annual Meeting in New Orleans on June 20, 2022. These Trustees will continue supporting the Foundation’s vital work with resources and expertise. The Foundation Board works in partnership with the Executive Director in advancing the organization while it serves as the fiduciary responsible agents.
“Jack and Jill Foundation works to build strong families, improve health and wellness and advance educational opportunities in underserved communities. Our newly elected Foundation Officers and Board Members will continue to steer the organization to a sustainable future and advocate to our vision – transforming African American communities, one child at a time,” said Pier AH Blake, Executive Director.
Elected Community Members:
President – Anthony Trotman is the Deputy County Manager & Consolidated Human Services Agency Director for Mecklenburg County North Carolina where he oversees the County’s health and human services agency. He manages approximately 3,000 employees with an annual budget of $350 million. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the State of Ohio Department of Job and Family Services with a $19 billion annual budget.
Vice-President: Hugh LaRoche is the CEO and Executive Leader from New York where he provides support to many industries in various market segments in human resources solutions.
Treasurer: Emmanuel Hostin, M.D. is an orthopedic surgeon specialist in New York and has more than 26 years of experience in the medical field.
Secretary: Karon Moody Harden is Vice President of Programs, and Peer Engagement at the Council of Foundations She is well-respected expert in adult learning and professional development.
Community Trustee: Christopher Graham, is Chief Investment Officer at Nationwide Funds Group. He has been with Nationwide since 2006 serving in many leadership roles and currently implementing investment strategy for a $64 billion mutual fund complex.
Community Trustee: A. Rafik Mohamed, Ph.D is the Dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences at California State University-San Bernardino.
Community Trustee: Jason Bonardi is the Regional Director for Travelers Insurance in the Mid-Atlantic Region where he has worked for the company since 2007. Jason is a graduate of Morgan State University.
Community Trustee: Libi Sprow Rice is the Vice President and Chief Communications & Marketing Officer of The Executive Leadership Council, the preeminent membership organization for Black CEOs, board directors, and senior most executives at Fortune 1000, Global 500 and equivalent companies.
During the Annual Meeting, the Foundation also recognized the service of two long-serving members, Board President Dr. Icilma “Icy” Fergus Rowe and Board Treasurer Hope Knight. Both have served their full tenure of six years.
