• February 12, 2026
  • Actualizado 6:14 pm
Facebook Twitter Linkedin
Donation
Suscríbete

Jenny Valdés Del Valle: Redefining Philanthropy for Latino Communities

Words of Wisdom Never underestimate the power of your voice, your roots, or your dreams. Every step forward you take—especially when it feels heavy or uncertain—can open doors not just for yourself, but for your entire community. Lead with compassion, stay grounded in your values, and dare to believe that systems can change when we advocate for those too often left out. Your lived experience is not a barrier; it is your greatest strength. Trust it, nurture it, and use it to build the more just, inclusive world we all deserve.

Title: Bilingual Program Manager – Grantmaking

Organization: Evanston Community Foundation

Age: 27 

Jenny Valdés Dell Valle is a groundbreaking advocate for language equity, empowering the Latino community in Evanston, IL. With a tireless commitment to creating pathways to equity in the philanthropy sector, she ensures that the voices and expertise of historically underserved communities are heard and valued. As a staff member at the Evanston Community Foundation (ECF), Jenny recognized the systemic barriers faced by Latino residents, such as limited access to funding due to language barriers. Drawing from her deep community knowledge and philanthropic expertise, she championed innovative, trust-based grantmaking practices that prioritized “community voice” over traditional notions of “risk.”

Jenny’s leadership was key in launching ECF’s first-ever fully bilingual grantmaking cycle. She designed and managed the initiative, ensuring that all materials, workshops, and consultations were accessible in both English and Spanish. This transformative approach not only increased accessibility for Spanish-speaking applicants but also shifted traditional power dynamics in philanthropy. For the first time in 30 years, Spanish-speaking projects had a clear path to funding with ECF.

Jenny’s dedication extends beyond grantmaking to building trust and fostering inclusivity at every level. A clear example of her impact was at ECF’s Community Impact Celebration in the Fall of 2024, where live interpretation services allowed Spanish-speaking participants to engage fully. One awarded grantee shared, “For the first time, I was able to understand what was happening and felt seen, thanks to the accommodations of simultaneous interpretation and Spanish subtitles.”

Jenny’s work is rebuilding bridges of trust with communities that have been historically harmed and excluded from decision-making. Her advocacy ensures that philanthropy uplifts the Latino community by centering their voices, expertise, and lived experiences. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to language equity have set a new standard for inclusivity in philanthropy, leaving a legacy of empowerment and opportunity for the Latino community in Evanston

Leer Más...