Meet The SCP Team: Jenna Rote, Manager of Strategic Partnerships

As we celebrate our five-year anniversary this month, we’re thrilled to have a great team that embodies our core values of excellence, passion, integrity, and equity on a daily basis.

Next up in our series of team highlights is our Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Jenna Rote. Jenna believes that developing strong relationships is the foundation of everything, both professionally and personally. She exemplifies this philosophy in her role as Manager of Strategic Partnerships and is committed to helping SCP and our partners reach short and long term goals through intentional and strategic planning and execution.

Jenna first joined the SCP team as our Events Manager and worked closely with our partners to develop, coordinate, and execute in-person events that helped connect community members, especially youth, with opportunity and resources. When COVID-19 caused a rapid shift in the feasibility of large scale, in-person gatherings for the foreseeable future, Jenna worked closely with our team and our partners to quickly transition events to online formats and redevelop key recruitment strategies to match the evolving times. In her new role as Manager of Strategic Partnerships, Jenna is developing innovative ways for our team and our partners to stay connected with the people we serve. 

Another key component of Jenna’s current role is leading the planning and facilitation of SCP’s inaugural Culture for Change Conference on September 14-17! This four-day virtual experience will provide mission-driven professionals with an opportunity to grow their leadership and management abilities while exploring actionable steps they can take to drive equity in their communities. Jenna organized a powerful lineup of sessions that feature changemakers from across the country! 

Prior to joining the SCP team, Jenna worked with United Way for Southeastern Michigan. She began her career on the Corporate Relations team, then transitioned to the Volunteer Engagement Team, where she worked with corporate and non-profit partners to develop and execute quality volunteer events. Throughout her professional career, Jenna has worked with over 100 nonprofits across southeast Michigan, giving her unique insight to the challenges and needs of local nonprofits. Her desire for impact drives her decisions in strategy and her passion and energy elevate any event, program, or initiative to the next level.

Jenna received her Bachelor's in marketing from Saginaw Valley State University, where she attended two Alternative Break trips and was President of the club volleyball team. She is dedicated to learning American Sign Language and is currently pursuing a Deaf Studies Certificate from Henry Ford College. Outside of work, Jenna enjoys documentaries, reading, astrophysics, running, snowboarding, and playing volleyball.

Learn more about Jenna and her work with SCP:

In one sentence, how do you describe your work with SCP?

I am committed to helping SCP and our partners reach goals through intentional and strategic organizational and event planning and execution. 

What are some of your favorite projects you've worked on at SCP?

One of my favorite projects I've worked on is the Find Your Future: Career Exploration Fair. I feel so proud to be part of an event that helps youth find their passion and learn how to pursue it.

What inspires you?

I feel inspired when I'm around passionately altruistic people. Whether it's someone who wants to change the world, help their own community, or just make a difference for one person, it's inspiring to know there are good people in the world trying to help others.

What is your favorite aspect about Detroit?

I love the pride Detroiters take in their city. I grew up in a town that most people wanted to move away from, but I love how you can see and feel the pride in their voice when you ask a Detroiter where they're from. 

What quote inspires you in your work?

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller 

Interested in getting in touch with Jenna or callorating with her more on the work she is doing at SCP and in the city? Email jenna.rote@strategiccommunitypartners.org.