Jeanne Wardford is a program officer for Family Economic Security at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan.
In this role as a member of the Family Economic Security team, Wardford is responsible for advancing employment equity business enterprise development focused policies, practices, strategies and opportunities for affecting positive systemic change within communities aimed at creating conditions in which children can develop, learn and grow. She works closely with staff to ensure integration and coordination of efforts.
Jeanne has dedicated her life to working for the betterment of individuals both in the public and private sector. Over the last two decades, she has held several positions of progressive leadership in both the public and private sector. Her interest has always been working to develop young people and the communities in which they live. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to get to the root of the problem and recommend fair, equitable, and often times innovative solutions to age old problems. She is known for her vigorous policy work and advocacy for children and families.
Prior to joining the foundation in 2015, Jeanne was director for National Partnerships at NeighborWorks America in Washington, D.C. In this role, she built strategic collaborations with public and private investors and secured resources for the implementation of a national asset development program, which included financial education, literacy, coaching and community development strategy. She has also worked in community development, fund development and evaluation consulting for TaylarMade Consulting, Inc., where she worked with public, private and academic sectors and their funding partners.
Jeanne’s leadership in support of education, racial equity, and economic development is reflected not only in her day to day activities, but also in her membership on a variety of boards, including Detroit Public Library Foundation, Center for Community Progress, Warrior Women, a project of the Michigan Women’s Foundation, National Women’s Business Council, Bowie State University Dean’s Advisory Council and FAMU School of Allied Health Advisory Board.