Chidi Jenkins is a public speaker and policy expert who has been leading conversations on advancing the health, economic mobility, and well-being of children and families in the U.S. for over 10 years. As Senior Officer for Leadership and Public Policy for Ascend at the Aspen Institute, she supports the Ascend Fellowship, elevating the organization’s vision to advance intergenerational family prosperity. In her day-to-day work, Chidi enjoys working with Ascend Fellows to support their cross-sector goals and partnerships within federal, state, and local agencies and private-sector organizations.

In her previous role, Chidi was appointed as Advisor on Childhood Trauma and Resiliency to former Governor Ralph S. Northam of Virginia. Then and now, Chidi recognizes the power of connecting and convening individuals with lived experience and diverse stakeholders in the field and in community to leaders and policymakers. Believing deeply in the resiliency of children, youth, and families, she has been able to advocate for and drive meaningful, trauma-informed policy and practice change in the Commonwealth and beyond.

A first-generation Nigerian-American, Chidi was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She resides with her family in Richmond, Virginia.

SPEAKING TOPICS INCLUDE: 

Childhood trauma

Family and community resilience

Cradle to career readiness

Maternal and infant health

Adolescent development and youth sport

Women and women of color in leadership