Jaynell Ellis works collaboratively with the Strategy, Partnerships and Learning team to support the grantmaking workflow and ensure streamlined coordination of the Foundation’s processes, databases, and budgets. Jaynell was drawn to work at the Stuart Foundation because of its systems-change approach to grantmaking that prioritizes equity, relationship-building, and centering the needs and complexities of youth, their families, and communities.
Jaynell has extensive experience working in the fields of education, workforce development, and child welfare, where she has applied a solution-focused, client-centered approach to assist underserved populations in navigating complex systems and improving access to resources and services designed to me,et these communities’ basic needs. Most recently, Jaynell worked for the City of Oakland as a Program Analyst where she administered federal funds to local nonprofits and managed special projects to alleviate poverty including streamlining distribution of direct cash assistance to low-income families. Jaynell has also worked for Year Up, a workforce development program serving young adults, and the County of Alameda as a Child Welfare Worker, where she worked with children and families impacted by the foster care system.
Jaynell holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from CSU Northridge and a Master’s in Social Work from UC Berkeley. She was born and raised in the East Bay. When she’s not working, you will find her trying to keep up with her two young children, spending time with her husband, or binge-watching her favorite TV shows.