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« Back to WELCA Blog

Director for justice joins WELCA staff
by Women of the ELCA

3.29.2018
15 Comments
|
News

Jennifer DeLeon, an educator, grassroots organizer and consultant with faith-based organizations, joins Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as director for justice April 9.

She fills the position vacated by Inez Torres Davis’ retirement in March 2017.

“I’m excited about the breadth of experience Jen brings to the position of director for justice,” said Linda Post Bushkofsky, executive director of Women of the ELCA. “While the organization continues its longstanding commitment to racial justice, Jen will also be able to lead participants in justice areas that haven’t seen as much emphasis in recent years. I am especially excited about a re-emphasis on advocacy and renewed partnerships with the ministries of the ELCA Washington office and state public policy offices.”

DeLeon served at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) for 12 years as director of government relations and advocacy.

In that role she identified and tracked legislation important to LSSI and the ELCA; led advocacy events and strengthened coalitions; developed relationships that led to a new fundraising event and annual holiday appeal; and testified at legislative hearings, among other duties.

Prior to serving with LSSI, she was a community organizer for the Logan Square Neighborhood Association in Chicago.

“Jen brings to the position direct experience with a wide range of social issues including hunger, immigration, housing, child welfare, human services, health care and faith-based responses to injustice,” Bushkofsky said.

A member of Trinidad Lutheran Church (Chicago), DeLeon is completing a master of arts degree in theological studies at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago this spring. She is a graduate of DePaul University with a bachelor of liberal arts degree in nonprofit management.

She has been involved with Women of the ELCA serving as vice president of the Metro Chicago synodical women’s organization from 2007-2008. She’s also worked with ELCA Glocal Mission Gatherings as a musician and keynote speaker.

She is bilingual and bicultural, fluent in English and Spanish and proficient in Portuguese.

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Comments (15)
  • Barbara Miller says:
    8/18/2018

    Hooray! Welcome! I’m looking forward to seeing and being led by your efforts!

    Reply
  • Terri Lackey says:
    4/11/2018

    She’s already helping us do our work better!

    Reply
  • Terri Gens says:
    4/2/2018

    Awesome Jen!! Congrats!

    Reply
  • Barb Olson says:
    4/2/2018

    Excited to have Jen as Director of Justice for Women of the ELCA!

    Reply
    • Jen says:
      4/11/2018

      I have such fond memories of my time as Vice-President of the Metro Chicago SWO and our time working together looking forward to re-connecting with you!

      Reply
  • Dinah L Halopka says:
    4/1/2018

    Welcome Jen! I know we are all excited about you being on board and look forward to working with you. Your talents are impressive!

    Reply
    • Jen says:
      4/11/2018

      Gracias! Looking forward to serving and learning from all the collective wisdom of the talented women who make up the membership of WELCA!

      Reply
  • Deb Martin says:
    3/31/2018

    Jennifer, welcome! I remember working with you decades ago when I lived in the Rockford area. I moved out of state, retired and say I’m a Community Advocate now. So glad you will be with the women because this group does so much and you will enhance that. Best wishes!

    Reply
    • Jen says:
      4/11/2018

      Hola Deb! I’m sure you are a GREAT community advocate. I look forward to working with you again what state are you in now?

      Reply
  • Dixie Downes says:
    3/31/2018

    Wonderful! Welcome back to Women of the ELCA and much success in this important role, Jen. Easter blessings.

    Reply
    • Jen says:
      4/11/2018

      GRACIAS AMIGA! I will forever be grateful for you encouraging me to run for the Metro-Chicago SWO years ago !

      Reply
  • Shirley Paulson says:
    3/31/2018

    Welcome Jen!
    We are so happy to have a person with your experience help lead our work in going beyond mercy to doing justice….

    Reply
    • Jen says:
      4/11/2018

      Thank you! Day 3 on the job and already blessed to learn about all the amazing women & work you all do !

      Reply
  • Syd says:
    3/29/2018

    Welcome Jen! You bring a multi-facited lens to the organization we love.

    Reply
    • Jen says:
      4/11/2018

      Gracias! Looking forward to serve !

      Reply

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