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K. Benton-Clark
Collaborative Leader - Philanthropic Strategist
Professional Background
Jehan Benton-Clark is an accomplished portfolio director at The Colorado Health Foundation, where she manages a remarkable investment portfolio exceeding $35 million annually. Her role revolves around facilitating vital health initiatives through strategic investments that empower communities across Colorado. With an extensive background in social work, Jehan’s professional journey has been deeply rooted in understanding and addressing the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. This insight informs her work in philanthropy, as she seeks to redefine how these organizations respond to and invest in the communities they serve.
Before her tenure at The Colorado Health Foundation, Jehan served in several key roles focused on community investment and health care. As the Program Officer at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, she was instrumental in directing funding toward innovative health care solutions and public-private partnerships that integrated community needs into service delivery. Her expertise is further underscored by her position as the Senior Program Officer in the Health Care Division at the same trust, where she honed her skills in aligning resources with health priorities in North Carolina.
Her leadership experience extends to her role as the Executive Director at Partners Ending Homelessness (PEH), where she designed and implemented initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness through collaborative community efforts. This position allowed Jehan to leverage her skills in capacity building and relationship management, essential tools for addressing complex social issues. Additionally, her time as a Community Investment Specialist focusing on Health Care at the United Way of Greater Greensboro allowed her to cultivate partnerships with local organizations, ensuring that health initiatives were effectively reaching those most in need.
Jehan’s career also includes invaluable grassroots experience, originating from her work as a Behavioral Health Treatment Counselor and Community Schools coordinator. These roles provided her with firsthand insights into the day-to-day challenges faced by individuals and families, shaping her understanding of the critical importance of authentic engagement and collaboration between the private sector and government organizations.
Education and Achievements
Jehan’s academic credentials reflect her commitment to understanding the complex socio-economic issues that affect communities. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a foundation that equipped her with the analytical skills necessary for her roles in philanthropy and public service. Following her undergraduate studies, she attained a Master of Arts from the University of Chicago, further enhancing her ability to address and analyze systemic issues impacting vulnerable populations.
Her educational background is complemented by her involvement in organizations such as the Dudley Science, Math & Technology Academy and James B. Dudley High School, where she cultivated her passion for social equity from an early age. Jehan's commitment to continuous learning and relevant expertise allows her to approach challenges with a well-rounded perspective and innovative solutions.
Notable Contributions and Impact
Jehan Benton-Clark’s passion for empowering communities is evident in every facet of her work. Through her extensive experience in diverse roles spanning housing authorities and community organizations, Jehan has developed a nuanced understanding of the interplay between systemic challenges such as structural racism and poverty, and the unique strengths of communities. She believes in the power of people and communities to address their own challenges, which has driven her efforts to create more effective philanthropy models that prioritize community engagement and collaboration.
Throughout her career, Jehan has been a champion for capacity building, advocating for resources and strategies that equip local organizations to implement meaningful initiatives. Her work in early childhood development and homelessness has set a precedent for community-centric philanthropy, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable approach to health investments.
Current Work and Vision
As a Portfolio Director at The Colorado Health Foundation, Jehan Benton-Clark envisions a future where all communities have equitable access to health services, regardless of their socioeconomic status. The Foundation’s commitment to serving communities mirrors Jehan’s own dedication to fostering authentic engagement and lasting partnerships.
With every initiative she oversees, Jehan strives to create opportunities where individuals can thrive, breaking down barriers that have historically hindered progress. Her work exemplifies her belief that with the right support and resources, communities can harness their potential to effect positive change and address their unique challenges proactively.
In summary, Jehan Benton-Clark represents a passionate leader in the fields of philanthropy, social work, and community engagement. Her extensive background and educational achievements provide a robust framework for her innovative solutions to pressing social issues, making her a key figure in efforts to create equitable health solutions and empower communities.
Her journey is a testament to the critical impact of focused philanthropic efforts. Feared both by her commitment to the communities she serves and her unparalleled expertise in partnership building, Jehan continues to break new ground in advancing communal health and well-being.
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