“How can I make that good happen?”: A Q&A with new administrative assistant Jennie White
Jennie White believes in the power of stories. “In every experience, there’s something that someone from a completely different identity or set of ideals could understand,” said White, who studied English at Bradley University in Peoria. “So, stories show us how we’re different, and they show us how we’re the same—they provide a focal point for commonality.”
As the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s newest administrative assistant, White is excited to have a front-row seat for the stories of generosity that unfold in our community every day. Two months into her time on the team, she reflects on her experience so far and on how the Community Foundation sets the stage for those stories.
Welcome, Jennie! Tell us about your role.
As an administrative assistant, I’m a helper. I’m helping my colleagues in grantmaking and development primarily, making sure the day-to-day tasks go smoothly. I’m also a greeter—one of the first people you see when you walk through the door or one the first voices you hear when you call us on the phone. I’ve loved meeting so many people who care deeply about our community since starting.
You were born and raised in the Quad Cities. What do you love about this community?
One thing that makes the QC special is the arts scene. We have the Figge Art Museum, the Bucktown Center for the Arts, the Riverssance Festival of Fine Art put on by Quad City Arts. I was a huge theater nerd growing up, too, and we have so many local theaters. In the summer, there’s basically a new show to see every weekend.
How did you find your way to the Community Foundation?
In March 2020, I landed a job at one of our public libraries. Working there, I realized that knowing my work helps my own community brought me a lot of satisfaction. Even though I always knew that I wanted to help, I didn’t realize that I really wanted to help the people around me—my neighbors. When I saw the opening at the Community Foundation, it looked like exactly the kind of place I wanted to be, and here I am.
I can’t imagine a job where my primary goal isn’t helping people. Today, I’m always asking, “What are other ways that I can give of myself to our community? How can I make that good happen?” Because it really does feel good!
How have you seen the Community Foundation’s mission in action?
We’re a place for kindness—the kindness of donors, of nonprofits, and of our entire staff. All of that kindness just flows through our organization with abundance. Supporting that mission, I get to see every stage of the process and find joy in how generosity strengthens our community. We’re here as the central point for that generosity.
I see us as storytellers, too. Everyone comes to us with stories—who they’ve been and who they hope to be through the actions we facilitate. We get to recognize donors’ stories of their passions and how they want to dedicate themselves to our community. Nonprofits come in with stories of how they want to transform that same community. The Community Foundation helps make those changes happen—and broadcasts those stories to inspire others to tell theirs, too.
What do you hope for the future of the Quad Cities community?
My hope is for the Quad Cities to come together in joy because we’ve made space to recognize every facet of our community. My neighbors are people of color, are part of the LGBTQ+ community, are believers of different religions. Our community grows by valuing every person’s story.
Every day, we see that people require diversity and inclusion when they’re looking for communities to call home. I think the Quad Cities can move into that position for a lot of people. Gratefully, we’re headed towards “together.”