Malika Kambe Umfazi

Raised with the belief that service to mankind is a duty assigned to every human being, JohnDre Jennings has always been interested in society's injustices and problems. During her years in high school she was drawn to current political issues, but she never
understood how she could apply the knowledge she gained in them to a career. Only years later did she recognize the potential of a career in the human service field.

Ms. Jennings has always believed that her purpose in life was to be able to restore a sense of well-being to young women. When she graduated high school, she was determined to go beyond her own expectations. While in Brevard Community College, she was able to become the President of the Florida African American Student Association. This organization is dedicated to the empowerment and achievement of students of African American descent and is highly recognized in Florida. By participating in this organization many students are able to learn about their culture and identity. Throughout the time leading up to her presidential tenure, the Florida African American Student Association instilled in her a strong cultural identity. She was inspired intellectually as well, and as she learned that knowledge was a powerful tool, she learned to enjoy reading even more. The students that served on the official board with her helped her to develop the concept of teamwork and taught her to use her skills to the best of her ability. It was through learning and growing with the students of this organization that she recognized that the greatest gift to herself was to further her education and acquire knowledge about the African American woman.

During her years at Morgan State University, she was inspired to begin graduate study in the field of public policy while interning within a juvenile detention program for young women. As an intern she was able to assist in the analysis of policy issues related to juvenile correctional facilities. She also had the opportunity of assisting in the evaluation of the critical strengths and weaknesses of the latest management tools in the juvenile correctional programs. While she has only been apart of Baltimore’s community for five years she has been able to become involved in many activities. In particular, the National Council of Negro Women, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, Poetry for the People (a community poetry organization), the AmeriCorps Alum and Malika Kambe Umfazi Sorority Incorporated (President of Jia Baltimore Queendom) have all tremendously expanded her personal horizons.

One of her personal goals is to work in international development as apart of the Foreign Service abroad. Ms. Jennings’ motivation for wanting to join the Foreign Service stems from her experience as a Fulbright Scholar. She believes that having a Foreign Service experience affords individuals the greatest chance ever in contributing to other countries. In the future, she plans on sharing her experiences with minority women who want to improve their own lives.

As a determined individual a few of her strengths include a direct background in customer care and human services, extensive computer knowledge, and a desire to provide the best human service possible. These are some of the qualities in which she brings to her community. Her accomplishments only provide a minimal look at her character. Overall, Ms. Jennings hopes to empower young women, as she continues her movement toward international relations and serving her community.