Janeen Bryant
Executive Director at Community Building Initiative- Claim this Profile
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Bio
LinkedIn User
Janeen is bold, courageous, and empathic. I feel so grateful that she and I paired up about eight years ago as peer coaches in a policy fellowship, and we have continued our coaching relationship and friendship ever since. When we first met, Janeen was at a crossroads in her career, aware that she needed to make a move to push herself but not sure what it would be. Since then, she has ran two impressive political campaigns, started a business, co-founded an organization, and continuously expanded her skillset, network, and impact. I am in awe of the risks she has taken and the tremendous strides she has made. When she gets knocked down, she learns from it and gets back up. In our coaching conversations she continuously brings new knowledge to the table for me to learn from, both personally and professionally. Every conversation with her is a gift. I'd be honored to work with her or for her in any capacity.
Rainey Tisdale
Janeen Bryant is one of the most talented, insightful, and charismatic leaders working in education and community engagement today. Every time she opens her mouth, poetic truth comes out. Every time I participate in one of her discussions or workshops, I come away challenged to think harder and do better. She sees the world as it could and should be, and helps individuals, organizations, and communities build road maps to get there. Do whatever you can to work with and learn from her.
Fen Druadìn
Janeen Bryant is a woman to follow. I will never forget the first time we had an in-depth conversation. It was last September, and an acquaintance was attacking me online over my participation in Charlotte's protests. The conversation had become heated and I was feeling defensive. The acquaintance said, "I just want somebody to come sit down with me, one on one, and explain why (something I don't remember)." My response: Heck no. Are you out of your mind? In your present state, you think I'm going to make myself vulnerable to you one on one? Janeen's response: I'll sit down with you. Janeen proceeded to calmly and kindly talk him down and through, while simultaneously (privately) explaining to me that he was at a moment of openness, and that is why he was feeling so angry. Sadly, the acquaintance eventually left the conversation (and our relationship), but I have hope that the seeds Janeen planted may continue to work their way into his heart. I can't tell you how much that incident, and Janeen's work which I have followed since, impress and inspire me to be more like her, to learn to dialog more effectively, and to courageously and calmly walk into the tough conversations. This is a woman who knows how to break down barriers and precipitate change. I consider it a great honor to have received direction and mentoring at her capable and inspiring hands, and I watch her work with great love and even greater hope. If our world is to be saved, it is women like Janeen who will save it.
LinkedIn User
Janeen is bold, courageous, and empathic. I feel so grateful that she and I paired up about eight years ago as peer coaches in a policy fellowship, and we have continued our coaching relationship and friendship ever since. When we first met, Janeen was at a crossroads in her career, aware that she needed to make a move to push herself but not sure what it would be. Since then, she has ran two impressive political campaigns, started a business, co-founded an organization, and continuously expanded her skillset, network, and impact. I am in awe of the risks she has taken and the tremendous strides she has made. When she gets knocked down, she learns from it and gets back up. In our coaching conversations she continuously brings new knowledge to the table for me to learn from, both personally and professionally. Every conversation with her is a gift. I'd be honored to work with her or for her in any capacity.
Rainey Tisdale
Janeen Bryant is one of the most talented, insightful, and charismatic leaders working in education and community engagement today. Every time she opens her mouth, poetic truth comes out. Every time I participate in one of her discussions or workshops, I come away challenged to think harder and do better. She sees the world as it could and should be, and helps individuals, organizations, and communities build road maps to get there. Do whatever you can to work with and learn from her.
Fen Druadìn
Janeen Bryant is a woman to follow. I will never forget the first time we had an in-depth conversation. It was last September, and an acquaintance was attacking me online over my participation in Charlotte's protests. The conversation had become heated and I was feeling defensive. The acquaintance said, "I just want somebody to come sit down with me, one on one, and explain why (something I don't remember)." My response: Heck no. Are you out of your mind? In your present state, you think I'm going to make myself vulnerable to you one on one? Janeen's response: I'll sit down with you. Janeen proceeded to calmly and kindly talk him down and through, while simultaneously (privately) explaining to me that he was at a moment of openness, and that is why he was feeling so angry. Sadly, the acquaintance eventually left the conversation (and our relationship), but I have hope that the seeds Janeen planted may continue to work their way into his heart. I can't tell you how much that incident, and Janeen's work which I have followed since, impress and inspire me to be more like her, to learn to dialog more effectively, and to courageously and calmly walk into the tough conversations. This is a woman who knows how to break down barriers and precipitate change. I consider it a great honor to have received direction and mentoring at her capable and inspiring hands, and I watch her work with great love and even greater hope. If our world is to be saved, it is women like Janeen who will save it.
LinkedIn User
Janeen is bold, courageous, and empathic. I feel so grateful that she and I paired up about eight years ago as peer coaches in a policy fellowship, and we have continued our coaching relationship and friendship ever since. When we first met, Janeen was at a crossroads in her career, aware that she needed to make a move to push herself but not sure what it would be. Since then, she has ran two impressive political campaigns, started a business, co-founded an organization, and continuously expanded her skillset, network, and impact. I am in awe of the risks she has taken and the tremendous strides she has made. When she gets knocked down, she learns from it and gets back up. In our coaching conversations she continuously brings new knowledge to the table for me to learn from, both personally and professionally. Every conversation with her is a gift. I'd be honored to work with her or for her in any capacity.
Rainey Tisdale
Janeen Bryant is one of the most talented, insightful, and charismatic leaders working in education and community engagement today. Every time she opens her mouth, poetic truth comes out. Every time I participate in one of her discussions or workshops, I come away challenged to think harder and do better. She sees the world as it could and should be, and helps individuals, organizations, and communities build road maps to get there. Do whatever you can to work with and learn from her.
Fen Druadìn
Janeen Bryant is a woman to follow. I will never forget the first time we had an in-depth conversation. It was last September, and an acquaintance was attacking me online over my participation in Charlotte's protests. The conversation had become heated and I was feeling defensive. The acquaintance said, "I just want somebody to come sit down with me, one on one, and explain why (something I don't remember)." My response: Heck no. Are you out of your mind? In your present state, you think I'm going to make myself vulnerable to you one on one? Janeen's response: I'll sit down with you. Janeen proceeded to calmly and kindly talk him down and through, while simultaneously (privately) explaining to me that he was at a moment of openness, and that is why he was feeling so angry. Sadly, the acquaintance eventually left the conversation (and our relationship), but I have hope that the seeds Janeen planted may continue to work their way into his heart. I can't tell you how much that incident, and Janeen's work which I have followed since, impress and inspire me to be more like her, to learn to dialog more effectively, and to courageously and calmly walk into the tough conversations. This is a woman who knows how to break down barriers and precipitate change. I consider it a great honor to have received direction and mentoring at her capable and inspiring hands, and I watch her work with great love and even greater hope. If our world is to be saved, it is women like Janeen who will save it.
LinkedIn User
Janeen is bold, courageous, and empathic. I feel so grateful that she and I paired up about eight years ago as peer coaches in a policy fellowship, and we have continued our coaching relationship and friendship ever since. When we first met, Janeen was at a crossroads in her career, aware that she needed to make a move to push herself but not sure what it would be. Since then, she has ran two impressive political campaigns, started a business, co-founded an organization, and continuously expanded her skillset, network, and impact. I am in awe of the risks she has taken and the tremendous strides she has made. When she gets knocked down, she learns from it and gets back up. In our coaching conversations she continuously brings new knowledge to the table for me to learn from, both personally and professionally. Every conversation with her is a gift. I'd be honored to work with her or for her in any capacity.
Rainey Tisdale
Janeen Bryant is one of the most talented, insightful, and charismatic leaders working in education and community engagement today. Every time she opens her mouth, poetic truth comes out. Every time I participate in one of her discussions or workshops, I come away challenged to think harder and do better. She sees the world as it could and should be, and helps individuals, organizations, and communities build road maps to get there. Do whatever you can to work with and learn from her.
Fen Druadìn
Janeen Bryant is a woman to follow. I will never forget the first time we had an in-depth conversation. It was last September, and an acquaintance was attacking me online over my participation in Charlotte's protests. The conversation had become heated and I was feeling defensive. The acquaintance said, "I just want somebody to come sit down with me, one on one, and explain why (something I don't remember)." My response: Heck no. Are you out of your mind? In your present state, you think I'm going to make myself vulnerable to you one on one? Janeen's response: I'll sit down with you. Janeen proceeded to calmly and kindly talk him down and through, while simultaneously (privately) explaining to me that he was at a moment of openness, and that is why he was feeling so angry. Sadly, the acquaintance eventually left the conversation (and our relationship), but I have hope that the seeds Janeen planted may continue to work their way into his heart. I can't tell you how much that incident, and Janeen's work which I have followed since, impress and inspire me to be more like her, to learn to dialog more effectively, and to courageously and calmly walk into the tough conversations. This is a woman who knows how to break down barriers and precipitate change. I consider it a great honor to have received direction and mentoring at her capable and inspiring hands, and I watch her work with great love and even greater hope. If our world is to be saved, it is women like Janeen who will save it.
Experience
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Community Building Initiative
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Executive Director
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Jul 2022 - Present
Working towards a more equitable Charlotte through leadership development, shared learning, and convening cross-sector stakeholders. Working towards a more equitable Charlotte through leadership development, shared learning, and convening cross-sector stakeholders.
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Facilitate Movement
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Based in Charlotte NC
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Independent Consultant and Community Engagement Specialist
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2014 - Present
Provide project planning, community engagement, and leadership development services. Specializing in intercultural communication, strategic visioning, community listening, and equity in design for long-term audience engagement. Recent projects include, but are not limited to: 2018 June Racial Reconciliation through Truth & Healing, Facilitator City of Charlotte 2018 Nov Racial Equity Workshop, Designer and Facilitator America To Me 2018 Sep Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice, Designer/Facilitator (Durham, NC) Faith and Spirituality Think Tank Symposium 2018-2019 Communities In Schools, Designer and Facilitator (Charlotte, NC) (Ongoing) DEIA Collaborative Visioning 2018- 2017 Read Charlotte, Program Lead and Curriculum Design (Charlotte, NC) Photovoice Project 2017-2019 Minnesota Institute of Art, Community Engagement Specialist (Minneapolis) MASS Action (Museum as Site for Social Action). 2017- 2019North Carolina African American Heritage Commission (Raleigh) Adaptive Leadership Strategies and Strategic Visioning Session Design 2017 Sep Lower East Side Tenement Museum, Designer and Facilitator (New York) Pivot, Power, and Purpose Workshop 2017 Atlanta History Center, Designer (Atlanta) Dialogic Design 2017 Lower East Side Tenement Museum, Designer and Facilitator (New York) Intercultural Communications Workshop 2017 American Alliance of Museums, Social Media Journalist, Panelist, and MC (St. Louis) 2017 The Center for Reconciliation, Designer/ Facilitator (Providence, Rhode Island) Museum Design Charrette 2016 North Carolina Museums Council, Project Consultant (Raleigh, NC) Listening NC/VA 2015 Nov Eastern State Penitentiary, Project Consultant (Philadelphia) Returning Citizen
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CREED (Center for Racial Equity in Education)
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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 Of Operations
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Jan 2019 - Aug 2021
Manage the daily operations and advancement of organizational effort, ensuring consistent engagement with communities, quality implementation strategies, and developing the future-oriented vision of racial equity in North Carolina's public education system. Manage the daily operations and advancement of organizational effort, ensuring consistent engagement with communities, quality implementation strategies, and developing the future-oriented vision of racial equity in North Carolina's public education system.
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On The Table Charlotte
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Charlotte, North Carolina
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Project Director
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Mar 2017 - Feb 2020
Project Director for On the Table CLT. Supported in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as a national civic initiative. On The Table Charlotte, launched spring of 2017 leading up to thousands of participants for a one-day community-wide initiative. In 2018 engaged well over 6500 participants across the region in deep discussion regarding the legacy of segregation in Charlotte. Project Director for On the Table CLT. Supported in part by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as a national civic initiative. On The Table Charlotte, launched spring of 2017 leading up to thousands of participants for a one-day community-wide initiative. In 2018 engaged well over 6500 participants across the region in deep discussion regarding the legacy of segregation in Charlotte.
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LEE
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United States
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Education Management
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100 - 200 Employee
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Regional Director, South
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Feb 2015 - Aug 2016
Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) supports over 30,000 members in leadership development towards creating local, regional, and national impact in educational systems. In my role: - Managed Leadership and Design teams for Charlotte, Memphis, Jacksonville, and Mississippi to create, design and implement differentiated projects. -Charged with building a civic movement that leverages the collective strengths of Teach for America’s alumni, staff and corps members - serving over 1,600 LEE members in regions across the United States - Championed and helped cultivate the development of nonprofits via LEE's New Venture Fund - supported by a $1 million grant from the Walton Foundation to encourage the development of innovative education nonprofits that will more effectively respond to gaps in the U.S. education system - Directed the growth of LEE services in three additional U.S. regions; and the protection and expansion of the LEE brand in those regions - Designed, proposed and pursued revision of multi-site cohorts
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Charlotte Mecklenburg School Board
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Charlotte, NC
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2015 At-Large Candidate, Board of Education; 2017 District 3 Candidate, Board of Education
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Jul 2015 - Oct 2015
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Levine Museum of the New South
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United States
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Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President of Education
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May 2009 - Feb 2015
As a part of senior leadership team set vision and priorities for programmatic offerings aligned with a variety of exhibition projects; designed, strategized and generated logistics for community-based mission-related events for adults, youth, and families.- Spearheaded community, regional and national partnerships in the pursuit of Museum mission- Managed $105,000 annual departmental budget and operating plan, including the preparation of management reports, quarterly projections and end-of-year forecasts- Secured over $100,000 in departmental grant support in support of new programs and initiatives- Recruited, on-boarded, and trained staff, volunteers and interns to execute tours and deliver programming; served as direct supervisor for program coordinators on multi-year projects- Utilized MBTI, FIRO-B, Enneagram Personality Assessment, Masters in Leadership and Management for staff development and organizational leadership- Managed over 50 community, regional and national partnerships in the pursuit of mission- Created, facilitated and evaluated dialogue programs on and off-site- Built and sustained authentic relationships with community stakeholders on initiatives such as LGBTQ Perspectives on Equality, Without Sanctuary (reconceptualization), Destination Freedom: Civil Rights Then and Now and Latino New South Project
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Youth and Family Programs Manager
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Aug 2007 - Apr 2009
Created a selection of family friendly and youth oriented programming, manage guided tour experiences for school groups, youth and adult organizations, developed, implemented, and evaluated the interactive tour experiences recruited, trained, and evaluated the education department docents, served as liaison to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools by meeting with school officials on a regular basis.
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International Coalition of Sites of Conscience
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United States
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Historical Sites
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1 - 100 Employee
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Facilitator
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2009 - 2015
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Programming Committee, Facilitator (Ongoing)
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2008 - 2012
Evaluation and analysis of effectiveness of all programs in Girl Talk. Evaluation and analysis of effectiveness of all programs in Girl Talk.
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Crossroads Charlotte
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Non-profit Organizations
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Program Sponsor
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2009 - 2011
Collaborative planning and programmatic implemenation in compliance with grant needs. Collaborative planning and programmatic implemenation in compliance with grant needs.
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Fiscal Agent
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Jan 2009 - Jun 2010
Responsible for managing all budget and grant compliance needs associated with the funding in support of programs. Responsible for managing all budget and grant compliance needs associated with the funding in support of programs.
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Teach For America
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United States
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Education Administration Programs
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700 & Above Employee
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Charter Corp Member in Charlotte Region
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May 2004 - Jun 2007
Taught as a member of the highly selective national program designed to commit recent college graduates to at least two years of teaching in low-income areas. Supervised team while maintaining grade level strategic planning, testing, and statewide evaluation; received STAR Teacher accreditation for individual classroom and grade level gains of 1.5 years growth for all students through implementation of a rigorous academic curriculum Taught as a member of the highly selective national program designed to commit recent college graduates to at least two years of teaching in low-income areas. Supervised team while maintaining grade level strategic planning, testing, and statewide evaluation; received STAR Teacher accreditation for individual classroom and grade level gains of 1.5 years growth for all students through implementation of a rigorous academic curriculum
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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
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United States
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Primary and Secondary Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Kindergarten Lead
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2004 - 2007
Led a five-member team in the development and implementation of a rigorous academic program, served as liaison between school personnel and Spanish speaking parents, launched and sustained a personalized after-school tutoring program for underachieving students Led a five-member team in the development and implementation of a rigorous academic program, served as liaison between school personnel and Spanish speaking parents, launched and sustained a personalized after-school tutoring program for underachieving students
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Community
