POLITICSNY: 2024 Black Power Players

PUBLISHED IN POLITICSNY

Dr. Jocelynne Rainey, Ed.D. is a leader in NYC’s nonprofit sector and a seasoned executive with over 25 years of management experience. She has led Brooklyn Org’s (BKO) evolution from Brooklyn Community Foundation to create a more inclusive and accessible model for community philanthropy. Under Dr. Rainey’s leadership, Brooklyn Org has surpassed $100 million in total giving and expanded its sector-leading commitments to racial justice and community engagement.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?Be easy on yourself. You have everything you need to succeed in life. Follow your dreams and your passions.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?I am most proud of leading an amazing team that rebranded the Brooklyn Community Foundation to Brooklyn Org (BKO). This rebrand included a strategic plan that reimagines philanthropy to be more inclusive of the community we serve, the donors that support the work, and the organizations delivering the services. BKO will do philanthropy differently, learning from and listening to those who are close to the issues.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?I am currently reading “At the Feet of the Elders, A Journey into A Lowcountry Family History” by Darius M. Brown. I met Darius at the African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina where he shared details about his first book, illustrating the journey of his ancestors from the colonial period, the American Civil War, and thereafter. It is an inspiring account of the resilience of our ancestors.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?There are so many inspiring leaders doing phenomenal work I could highlight, but if I had to choose one today it would be Katrena Perou, executive director of Inspiring NYC. Inspiring Minds is doing amazing work with young people. However, what has inspired me most recently is how Katrena uses her voice to call out the dire need for timely funding for nonprofits to bring services to the community.

We’re so grateful that Black Power Player Selma Jackson, Board President of Age Friendly Central Brooklyn Inc. and a Brooklyn Org Advisory Council Member, chose to spotlight our work in her Q&A:

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight? Brooklyn Org, formerly Brooklyn Community Foundation, is committed to providing funding to community organizations that include those who are being served in leadership positions. Empowering disadvantaged communities by inclusiveness is a game changer! Age Friendly Central Brooklyn, Inc (AFCBI) is creating a new model for serving older adults of the 21st century and I am so excited to not only be a beneficiary of their services, but also be part of the creation.