APRIL Member Spotlight
Meet Walter Jennings Walter Jennings is a Director of Student Success Initiatives for Helios. In this role, he helps lead community investment and engagement to improve outcomes for student success in Florida. Mr. Jennings holds a bachelor's degree in business economics from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). |
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What is your involvement with Florida Philanthropic Network? What influenced you to join?
"FPN is one of our longstanding partners in the work of connecting civic participation with education. We’ve been fortunate to work together on several projects during our 10+ year relationship including the Florida Civic Engagement Initiative, Florida Education Funders Group and College Access & Success Initiative."
Name one thing you find special about the Florida philanthropic community.
"The broad range of funders. The members of FPN represent a myriad of interests and areas that embody community and challenge themselves to pursue meaningful work. It offers excellent opportunities to connect with other philanthropic organizations for knowledge-sharing and best practices."
Are there any partnerships or collaboration efforts you have found most meaningful to you in the last year?
"The Education Funders Group has been a great collaboration opportunity for our organization. The group is in direct alignment with our focus on education and providing support for students along the entire education continuum."
What's the biggest challenge you've faced with your philanthropic efforts? How have you overcome them?
"Helios is a data-informed organization that utilizes information to identify opportunity gaps in educational pursuits. Those gaps often serve as a focal point of our investment efforts and coincide with low-income or historically underrepresented communities. The past few years have presented a challenge to our efforts due to our areas of emphasis. However, we are committed to honoring our vision of supporting all students in postsecondary education success. "
What fuels your cup - in life and at work?
"The chance to see and hear how our efforts are impacting students. I’m a big proponent of talking to students directly and listening to their experiences in their own words. It is always a great reminder of why what we do is important. "
Can you share one piece of advice you would give to someone considering a career in philanthropy?
"Partnership is one of the great equalizers in our work. It is one thing to write a check. It’s quite another to serve as a thought partner and advocate with an organization that helps them to build confidence in who they are and what they do."