Ryanne Jennings’ love of reading has served her well, both academically and professionally.
“During the first couple of weeks of COVID, I wanted to be prepared for the time when things opened back up,” says Jennings, President and CEO of the Wayne County (Pennsylvania) Community Foundation and current M.A. student at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
“I read all I could on philanthropy, leadership, and generosity. Through that reading, ‘Madam CJ Walker’s Gospel of Giving’ came up on the list, and I read about the author, Tyrone McKinley Freeman of the Lilly School. I never realized what the Lilly Family School offered, and I went down the rabbit hole of research and discovery.
That chance discovery resulted in Jennings enrolling in the Lilly School’s M.A. program, and being selected as a recipient of the School of Philanthropy Alumni Association (SOPAA) Scholarship.
Jennings majored in public health at Temple University, and earned certificates in both non-profit leadership and non-profit fundraising from Temple. She was named to her current position in 2019, and prior to that, held leadership positions with non-profit organizations.
When she learned of the Lilly School’s master’s program in philanthropic leadership, she knew it would be the right fit for her.
“I’ve loved all my classes so far, and will finish the degree in the spring of 2025,” Jennings says.
“I’ve already been able to use the knowledge I’ve gained on a daily basis, and have learned to successfully convey that knowledge to my Board of Directors, which is essential to leading this organization.”