Jubilee Housing is pleased to announce that Dawanna Kennedy has joined the Institutional Advancement team as the Director of Development. Dawanna, who goes by Dee Kay, has a superb track record of leading nonprofit, healthcare, and community organizations. She will contribute to managing day-to-day operations of fundraising as Director of Development at Jubilee Housing.

Raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Dee Kay knew early on that she would dedicate her life to serving vulnerable populations and reducing systematic barriers. In her role as Development Director, Dee Kay will help implement a robust strategic plan for deepening supporter engagement and stewarding relationships with current and potential donors. Dee Kay prides herself on cultural competency and her ability to create inclusive environments where staff and clients can flourish.

A tireless fundraiser and grant writer, Dee Kay routinely exceeded fundraising goals in previous nonprofit leadership roles and brings years of experience serving at-risk populations to her new role as Director of Development. As a published author, LGBTQIA success coach, pastor, and new media thought leader, she excels at guiding organizations to reach vulnerable populations wherever they may be.

A firm believer in one’s ability to help others heal, in March of 2019, Dee Kay published her second book: “Rewriting my Body: A Guided Journal for Tracing and Transcending Trauma”. She looks forward to bringing a new perspective into her new role as she dedicates herself to increases donations, recruiting new supporters and increases awareness, developing community connections and cultivating repeat givers.

She is a graduate of Seton Hall University’s Master in English Literature program, and holds a Doctorate of Divinity and Philosophy.

As the Director of Development at Jubilee Housing, Dee Kay will work closely with Rebecca Ely, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, to continue strengthening Jubilee’s community partnerships, bolstering and diversifying funding sources, and increasing engagement that centers housing and support services as the foundation for a more equitable DC.

Jubilee Housing is thrilled to have someone with Dee Kay’s expertise and passion join the movement for justice housing™ at this critical time of organizational growth. Please join us in welcoming Dee Kay to the Jubilee Housing team!