Imani DeJesus
Vice President, Programs & Guidance at SEEDS - Access Changes Everything- Claim this Profile
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John F. Castano
Thoughtful, smart, positively intense, focused, goal-oriented, strategic and tactical - these are the words I would use to describe Imani Gilliam, with whom I had the great fortune to work for 9 years at SEEDS. She is a mission-focused leader who passionately owns her role. Whenever she managed a project, I always knew everything would be well executed and of the highest quality. If there were challenges too big for one person to handle, she would inform me clearly and early. Imani will do big things in her career. She would a tremendous asset to any organization, and she should be leading one soon!
Monet A. Kendall-Turner, M.S.
When I think of Imani, the word phenomenal comes up . She is a dynamic leader who can grasp a concept at lightening speed, and adapts easily. In times of chaos, she is poised and strategic in her approach. She is warm, and compassionate, but unafraid to have tough conversations all for the betterment of our children. I have seen Imani in action when she first arrived to NJ SEEDS (now known as SEEDS) back in 2012. She quickly moved up within the organization due to her strong work ethic, and visionary-like mind. Imani is truly an awesome leader, and colleague. I strongly believe she will be an asset in any organization.
Alan Heaps
Imani and I were colleagues for more than two years and worked closely and extensively during this period. She is equally terrific at planning, implementation and communication. No weaknesses there. Two other points of importance. One, she is deeply committed to equity and social justice. It is part of every single things she does. Two, she has real vision in terms of what needs to be done and has the ability to turn that vision into a reality. A rare quality.
John F. Castano
Thoughtful, smart, positively intense, focused, goal-oriented, strategic and tactical - these are the words I would use to describe Imani Gilliam, with whom I had the great fortune to work for 9 years at SEEDS. She is a mission-focused leader who passionately owns her role. Whenever she managed a project, I always knew everything would be well executed and of the highest quality. If there were challenges too big for one person to handle, she would inform me clearly and early. Imani will do big things in her career. She would a tremendous asset to any organization, and she should be leading one soon!
Monet A. Kendall-Turner, M.S.
When I think of Imani, the word phenomenal comes up . She is a dynamic leader who can grasp a concept at lightening speed, and adapts easily. In times of chaos, she is poised and strategic in her approach. She is warm, and compassionate, but unafraid to have tough conversations all for the betterment of our children. I have seen Imani in action when she first arrived to NJ SEEDS (now known as SEEDS) back in 2012. She quickly moved up within the organization due to her strong work ethic, and visionary-like mind. Imani is truly an awesome leader, and colleague. I strongly believe she will be an asset in any organization.
Alan Heaps
Imani and I were colleagues for more than two years and worked closely and extensively during this period. She is equally terrific at planning, implementation and communication. No weaknesses there. Two other points of importance. One, she is deeply committed to equity and social justice. It is part of every single things she does. Two, she has real vision in terms of what needs to be done and has the ability to turn that vision into a reality. A rare quality.
John F. Castano
Thoughtful, smart, positively intense, focused, goal-oriented, strategic and tactical - these are the words I would use to describe Imani Gilliam, with whom I had the great fortune to work for 9 years at SEEDS. She is a mission-focused leader who passionately owns her role. Whenever she managed a project, I always knew everything would be well executed and of the highest quality. If there were challenges too big for one person to handle, she would inform me clearly and early. Imani will do big things in her career. She would a tremendous asset to any organization, and she should be leading one soon!
Monet A. Kendall-Turner, M.S.
When I think of Imani, the word phenomenal comes up . She is a dynamic leader who can grasp a concept at lightening speed, and adapts easily. In times of chaos, she is poised and strategic in her approach. She is warm, and compassionate, but unafraid to have tough conversations all for the betterment of our children. I have seen Imani in action when she first arrived to NJ SEEDS (now known as SEEDS) back in 2012. She quickly moved up within the organization due to her strong work ethic, and visionary-like mind. Imani is truly an awesome leader, and colleague. I strongly believe she will be an asset in any organization.
Alan Heaps
Imani and I were colleagues for more than two years and worked closely and extensively during this period. She is equally terrific at planning, implementation and communication. No weaknesses there. Two other points of importance. One, she is deeply committed to equity and social justice. It is part of every single things she does. Two, she has real vision in terms of what needs to be done and has the ability to turn that vision into a reality. A rare quality.
John F. Castano
Thoughtful, smart, positively intense, focused, goal-oriented, strategic and tactical - these are the words I would use to describe Imani Gilliam, with whom I had the great fortune to work for 9 years at SEEDS. She is a mission-focused leader who passionately owns her role. Whenever she managed a project, I always knew everything would be well executed and of the highest quality. If there were challenges too big for one person to handle, she would inform me clearly and early. Imani will do big things in her career. She would a tremendous asset to any organization, and she should be leading one soon!
Monet A. Kendall-Turner, M.S.
When I think of Imani, the word phenomenal comes up . She is a dynamic leader who can grasp a concept at lightening speed, and adapts easily. In times of chaos, she is poised and strategic in her approach. She is warm, and compassionate, but unafraid to have tough conversations all for the betterment of our children. I have seen Imani in action when she first arrived to NJ SEEDS (now known as SEEDS) back in 2012. She quickly moved up within the organization due to her strong work ethic, and visionary-like mind. Imani is truly an awesome leader, and colleague. I strongly believe she will be an asset in any organization.
Alan Heaps
Imani and I were colleagues for more than two years and worked closely and extensively during this period. She is equally terrific at planning, implementation and communication. No weaknesses there. Two other points of importance. One, she is deeply committed to equity and social justice. It is part of every single things she does. Two, she has real vision in terms of what needs to be done and has the ability to turn that vision into a reality. A rare quality.
Experience
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SEEDS - Access Changes Everything
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United States
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Non-profit Organization Management
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President, Programs & Guidance
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Aug 2022 - Present
Assists motivated and high achieving students from low-income communities by transforming their educational opportunities by ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, access, and support to thrive in the nation’s finest schools and colleges. Assists motivated and high achieving students from low-income communities by transforming their educational opportunities by ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, access, and support to thrive in the nation’s finest schools and colleges.
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Enactus United States
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Program Manager - HBCUs & HSIs
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Mar 2022 - Oct 2022
Supported Enactus student teams across the country with a focus on Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions through the FutureMakers Initiative. Supported Enactus student teams across the country with a focus on Historically Black Colleges & Universities and Hispanic-Serving Institutions through the FutureMakers Initiative.
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Paul Robeson Charter School
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United States
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Education Administration Programs
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director, Operations
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Jul 2021 - Dec 2021
A free, lottery-based, open-enrollment charter school serving students from across Trenton in grades 3-8 which offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum where students are provided double reading and double math time to ensure they are prepared for the best high schools and colleges. A free, lottery-based, open-enrollment charter school serving students from across Trenton in grades 3-8 which offers a rigorous college-prep curriculum where students are provided double reading and double math time to ensure they are prepared for the best high schools and colleges.
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SEEDS - Access Changes Everything
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United States
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Non-profit Organization Management
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1 - 100 Employee
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Director, Programs
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Aug 2015 - Jul 2021
Assists motivated and high achieving students from low-income communities by transforming their educational opportunities by ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, access, and support to thrive in the nation’s finest schools and colleges.Oversaw the planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of all aspects within the three (3) education programs that serviced roughly 350 students each fiscal year. Served as Founding Director for the College Scholars Program. Responsible for designing and evaluating each program’s strengths and weaknesses and adjusting where necessary. Show less
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Dean of Scholars Programs
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Jun 2013 - Aug 2015
Oversaw the planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of all aspects within the independent school programs - Scholars & Young Scholars Programs.
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Assistant Dean of Scholars Programs
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Aug 2012 - Jun 2013
With the Dean of Scholars Programs, implemented of all aspects within the independent school programs - Scholars & Young Scholars Programs.
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Coatesville Youth Initiative
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United States
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Individual and Family Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Program Manager, ServiceCorps Program
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May 2011 - Aug 2012
Provided an eight-week summer program where youth gained work experience with a challenging life, academic, and leadership skills development curriculum. Provided an eight-week summer program where youth gained work experience with a challenging life, academic, and leadership skills development curriculum.
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Educator, What Matters Most Program
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Sep 2009 - Oct 2010
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Program Coordinator, SOAR Program
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Mar 2010 - Aug 2010
Student Occupational and Academic Readiness (SOAR) Program in partnership with Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) and Work Ready provided a six-week summer program where youth gained work and internship experience.
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Education
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2017 -
Harvard University Graduate School of Education
College-Going Identity and Student Success Certification -
2004 - 2008
Seton Hall University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Biology -
2013 -
Gonzaga University
Master of Arts (M.A.), Organizational Leadership
Community
