The JDF Board
The JDF is fortunate to have Board members from a wide variety of backgrounds, vocations and educational levels. It is an honor to serve our communities and move The JDF mission forward. “To whom much is given, much is required.”
Executive Director: Carolyn Jenkins Carolyn Jenkins is the founder of National I LOVE My Feet Day!, celebrated annually on August 17th, and the blog site, ilovemyfeetdays.com. She is committed to spreading the message of good foot health to all, but her heart and focus are working with the underserved. “The JDF serves from the bottom up. Our feet are on the bottom, and they support our entire body. When we empower those at the bottom with the knowledge and tools to improve their health, they can improve their quality of life and the impact they have on society.” Carolyn writes articles about foot care and created the Anchor podcast, Wassup Wednesday, Wassup With My Feet Wednesday. Her publishing company, CjQenterprises, published her award-winning books, My Feet: An Ode, How To Avoid Killer Boots and buy boots that feel as good as they look!, Irresistible; Rockin’ Hot Party Shoes your feet will love!, and the children’s series, The Family Adventures of Princess Ladybug and Princess Ladybird. Carolyn is a former bookstore founder and owner. She is also an accomplished event planner and she enjoys mentoring teen girls. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education, her Master of Arts in Communication and holds a variety of certifications and awards including a 2022 Lifetime Volunteer Service Award. Carolyn retired from nearly twenty years as a government contractor to focus full-time on The JDF.
 Rev. Hawthorne is a graduate of Virginia Union’s Evans & Smith Institute and a long-time JDF volunteer. Minister Hawthorne works tirelessly serving others and is a JDF 2021 Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Award recipient and a 2022 Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Awardee. As an Associate minister at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Stafford, VA, Minister Hawthorne oversees multiple programs including SHARE, the Missionary team, and the Women’s Ministry.
Gloria James Affectionately known as Ms. Glo, the newest JDF board member came out of retirement to serve those in need, again. She has decades of business experience including serving as a church secretary and bookkeeper. Ms. Glo is an avid breast cancer survivor advocate and mentors young women. She began volunteering with The JDF team after the COVID19 lockdown lifted in the spring of 2021 and she continues faithfully serving today.
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 Avis Oglesby holds an MBA and a Master’s degree in Information Assurance. She has worked in the Information Technology Security field for over 17 years. During that time, she has served on the Information Assurance Board within the Department of Justice. She is a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served as an Intelligence Analyst for over 10 years. Her business endeavors consist of being a John Maxwell Certified Speaker, Teacher, and Coach in Leadership and Personal Development. Avis is a writer and Founding Laureate Poet in the International Society of Poets. |
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Secretary and Outreach Coordinator: Ana Rodriguez 2020 ManTech Pedersen Humanitarian Award recipient! Ana brings a wealth of experience to The JDF. Ana has a heart for Social Work and she is a strong advocate having earned her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Leadership, her Associate degree in Social Sciences/Political Sciences, and studying Human Social Work Services. She has been a government contractor for the Armed Forces serving as an Analyst and holding a security clearance for nearly ten years. Ana is a trainer, developer, and entrepreneur who is launching an exciting new product in 2021. |
Chairperson: IC Jenkins brings a wealth of non-profit and marketing experience to The JDF. IC is a Past Master with King Solomon Lodge 193 and 100 Riderz Bike Club. Each year both organizations perform various service projects for the underserved to include distributing food and collecting coats. He also has 16 years of experience as a fraud investigator with Capital One. IC is an experienced trainer and a certified SCRUM Master.
Robert Jenkins is the glue that holds The JDF together. He faithfully picks up donations from our retail partners every week which helped earn him the #7100 Point of Light award, the 2021 Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award and a 2022 Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Awardee. Robert is an entrepreneur and former bookstore owner with more than 25 years of business expertise. He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a former government contractor with General Electric. Robert is also a Lifetime Member of Triangle Lodge #293 Free & Accepted Masons, Inc. Robert loves to play chess and enjoys sharing his love of the game with children by teaching and mentoring them. He also enjoys fishing.*
Joan Edwards is a national treasure and a tireless volunteer. Joan’s reach and influence spans the the U.S. because no matter where she travels, she runs into someone she knows. Her logistical and coordinating skills are unsurpassed and a tremendous asset for The JDF as she helps coordinate events. A lifelong volunteer, Joan is the recipient of a 2022 Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award. After 38 years as a civilian with the Fairfax County Virginia Police Department Joan retired. Joan faithfully continues to volunteer with them during the holidays each year.
*Deceased