Union County Review

Stephanie Gidigbi-Jenkins, a graduate of Kean University, has been making a significant impact in transforming underserved communities since her time at the university. Gidigbi-Jenkins, who now leads the Communities First Alliance, a $25 million fund aimed at helping organizations access federal funds for community infrastructure improvements, shared her motivation behind her work, saying, “At the end of my recent maternity leave, I was holding my daughter, Anaya Joy, and realized I had to go fight for her future.”

In her role as vice chair of a federal Advisory Committee on Transportation Equity, Gidigbi-Jenkins emphasizes the importance of transportation in economic mobility, stating, “It usually takes about 20 years for people to see a transportation project completed. It’s important to plan carefully and engage not only those coming into an area, but those already there.”

Tenisha Malcolm, director of the Urban Mayors Policy Center at Kean’s John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research, commended Gidigbi-Jenkins for her work, highlighting her impact on advancing community engagement, social justice, and equity within urban communities. Malcolm stated, “Her innovative ideas and collaborative approach have been pivotal in amplifying marginalized voices, advocating for equitable policies, and nurturing meaningful dialogue.”

Reflecting on her time at Kean University, Gidigbi-Jenkins attributes her success to the experiences she had as a student, including working as a student ambassador and academic instructional mentor. She also credits the university for catalyzing her family life, mentioning, “Had I not gone to the seminar in Washington, D.C. that led me to work on the Hill, I never would have met my husband, Aaron Jenkins... We were married in the Capitol.”

Through her dedication and strategic approach, Stephanie Gidigbi-Jenkins continues to be a driving force in creating a more equitable, just, and climate-resilient environment, impacting communities nationwide.