Meet Jeremiah Steen

Share This Article

Sed ut perspiciatis unde.

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeremiah Steen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeremiah below.

Jeremiah , appreciate you joining us today. Parents can play a significant role in affecting how our lives and careers turn out – and so we think it’s important to look back and have conversations about what our parents did that affected us positive (or negatively) so that we can learn from the billions of experiences in each generation. What’s something you feel your parents did right that impacted you positively.

My mother created a household environment that was conducive to growth, open to criticisms and an obligation to be truthful. There was no topic that could not be discussed, along as the conversation remained respectful and a resolve was met. This level of transparency, accountability and equity has been pivotal in my work, especially on the boards and steering committees I serve on – Skillman Foundation, Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy, Life Leaders, Detroit Audubon, Friends of the Rouge, Soul of Philanthropy – Michigan and the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Detroit.

Her long-term vision for me was something she made daily sacrifices for, but she remained resilient. My mother ensured that my aspirations were met, so now it is my mission to ensure that every young person- especially in underinvested in communities, are prioritized and given all the tools necessary to maximize their potential.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In 2018, I was selected to be the youngest Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Fund II Fellow, which provided me the opportunity to work with Jane Goodall and her team for a year. This opportunity taught me the power of philanthropy, storytelling, social investment and service learning. I returned home from this opportunity inspire and ready to make a difference.

Detroit Public Schools Community District cut their budget significantly, which required them to take out art classes, stem programs and musical theater from their schools. So, I used the funding from my fellowship to start The Steen Foundation – the first black youth lead foundation that follows the Critical Youth Theory model-the intentional resistance of a set of ideas that have historically and culturally stopped young people from holding positions of power by inspiring ethical action and true innovation with a lasting impact, across the country. We partnered with multiple grassroots organizations – MOCAD Teen Council, Black to the Land Coalition and Afro-Future Youth to provide programming to decrease this creative deficit happening in our schools.

COVID-19 disrupted our programming, which made it difficult to connect with our young people, so we pivoted our approach. My team noticed that internships and fellowships were being canceled due to budget cuts from the pandemic, which uncovered a larger issue- the underinvestment in tailored career pathways- especially for youth of color in conservation and arts and culture. Now, the Steen Foundation provides internships and fellowships to support young people achieve their aspirations. Also, the Steen Foundation provides organizational critique, focus group support and consultation to for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Also, I leverage my board positions, community connections and skillset to increase youth engagement, resource allocation and career placement for youth in Michigan.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation within the philanthropic ecosystem has taken a lot of hard work, late nights, tears and a complete sacrifice of a healthy social life. In this industry I am responsible for other peoples money and resources, which means I must be a good steward – I must do the right thing at all times.

This level of responsibility is burdensome sometimes, but the impact that I am able to make increases my network and capacity. As a young person people I must go above and beyond what is expected, so I can be treated equally.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I have a commitment to service, which I though meant I needed to give my all to anyone in need. This way of operating lead to me not having enough for myself and others – not sustainable.

During a board meeting, one of my colleagues was frustrated that our company was making a pivot that would create a major deficit at another company, but would ensure the sustainability of ours. Another on of my colleagues told the frustrated colleague that “we are the fiduciaries of our organization not the other one”.

That taught me that I can not continue to serve if I do not remain the fiduciary of my life – I have to make decisions that lead to long-term good even if the in the short-term there are difficulties.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: CanvasRebel is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Meet Jeremiah Steen

Meet Jeremiah Steen

Share This Article

Newsletter

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Leave a comment Cancel reply