Jenny Simpson

Jenny Simpson

As Director of Operations for the Steans Family Foundation, Jenny addresses operational, strategic, and communication needs across all pillars of grantmaking and policy programs. Specifically, she oversees key aspects of strategic operations and implementation, budget and finances, human resources, communications, facilities, and IT infrastructure.

Reginald Jones

Reginald Jones

Reginald Jones became President and CEO of the Jacobs Family Foundation and Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation in 2012. Prior to his current role, Reginald served as President of the Steans Family Foundation, joining the foundation in 2003 as Executive Director and elevated to President in 2011.

Raising High School Graduation Rates in North Chicago

Raising High School Graduation Rates in North Chicago

Research has shown that a student’s likelihood of graduating high school can be strongly predicted by freshman year performance as early as the first semester. For that reason, the state adopted a measure of 9th-grade progress called the Freshman On Track rate. Between 2018 and 2022, North Chicago’s Freshman On Track rate rose from 56 percent to 94 percent.

Removing Barriers to College Completion

Removing Barriers to College Completion

Now in its fifth year, the Partnership for College Completion is fighting for equity in higher education in Illinois The state has some grim statistics when it comes to college completion and affordability: Public universities in Illinois are among the most expensive...
Yolanda Knight

Yolanda Knight

Managing Director – North Lawndale Yolanda Knight is the Steans Family Foundation’s Managing Director of North Lawndale Programs. In her role, she supports the Foundation’s North Lawndale staff and partners to deliver programs and processes that positively...