Life & Work with Jeremiah Steen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremiah Steen. 

Hi Jeremiah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was raised by selfless mother, Anquenetta Jones, and spectacular grandparents, Sandra and O’Neal Edwards who are committed to my growth and development as an ethical leader. 

In 2017, I became the first Ernest Lofton Junior Goodfellow of the Year Award for my 8 years of volunteering as head coach with SOAR Eagle Sports Soccer with two undefeated teams (ages 8-10 and 11-14). 

In 2018, I ran for Student Senate Vice-President at University of Detroit Jesuit and Academy and lost by twelve points. My spirit was defeated, but two months later I was accepted into the Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Fund II National Fellowship as the youngest fellow in history. This opportunity allowed me to work and travel with Jane Goodall, subsequently, I learned the power of philanthropy, story-telling, and service learning. 

Once I returned home, I became aware of major budget cuts that were impacting Detroit Public Schools Community District, which lead to many schools taking out art classes, STEM programs, and musical theater. I used the money that I earned from my fellowships to start my foundation —the Steen Foundation. My organization worked with local grassroots organization to provide over 500 youth with our programming. In 2020, COVID-19 hit and we were no longer able to connect with our partners and youth. Shortly after, I noticed that multiple internships and fellowships were being canceled, which means hundreds of youth would not have the qualifications and experiences necessary to start their career. My passion for developing sustainable youth career pathways and pipelines began, so the Steen Foundation started offering internships, fellowships, and grants towards developing an intentional pipeline to youth career development. 

In 2020, I became the Development Associate, Institutional Giving at the National Audubon Society, which taught me how to make sustainable partnerships with family foundations and corporate foundations, subsequently, I learned how to solicit major gifts. In addition to my work at Audubon, I am the Program Director at the Environmental Leadership Program. This role allows me to oversee the Roger Arliner Young Fellowship program, which gives undergraduate of color their first job is a conservation organization. Also, I am a full-time student at University of Detroit Mercy pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Communications 

This work lead to me joining the Skillman Foundation President’s Youth Council, which allowed me to allocate over $100,000 to grassroots organization in Detroit. I was able to go to Mackinac Island Policy Conference 2022 as one of the youngest speakers in the conferences history to discuss Engaging Gen Z in Future Building. 

I am a Board Member at EEqual and TrashMob.eco. Also, I serve on the Advisory Committee at the Detroit Historical Society. Lastly, I am a BMe Vanguard Fellow, and I serve on the Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) Steering Committee. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to my career has not been smooth, but the love and support from my family and community has been vital. 

My mother raised me and my brother by herself, which required her to make many scarifies to ensure we had solid foundation as black men. She broke her back to put me through private school. She is a thought leader when it comes to all of my personal and professional endeavors, and I am very appreciative of the love she consistently gives me. 

Also, I have an occasional stutter that impacts my ability to communicate at times. This has been my biggest roadblock because it requires me to be very intentional with my words, especially in the line of work I am in. Every day is a struggle, but I don’t let it stop me from making change in my community. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the National Audubon Society’s Development Associate, Institutional Giving working out of Detroit, Michigan. Additionally, I attend I University of Detroit Mercy. I am the President and CEO of the Steen Foundation with the goal of positively impacting the socialization of youth, promoting strong inquisitive thinking, and allowing teens the ability to advance their view of community through a creative perspective. I serve on the Board of Directors for EEQual, TrashMob.eco, and I am is a member of the Skillman Foundation’s President’s Youth Council, EPIP Steering Committee, and Detroit Historical Society Advisory Board. I hope to continue being a catalyst for the phenomenology of philanthropy, which will allow me to provide the necessary resources and opportunities to maximize the potential in others. 

I am proud of my ability to learn from seasoned professionals, community stakeholders and develop sustainable programs that create real change. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Detroit is my home, and I love everything about it, especially the access to high-quality art museums – Detroit Institute of Arts, Museum of Contemporary Arts Detroit, Scarab Club, etc. 

The one thing I dislike is the negative narratives about Detroit from people who have never been to Detroit or people who are here to “save” Detroit. We are a city filled with some of the most bright, talented, and resilient people in the world, and people should give us a chance. Also, we need to tap into the next generation of emerging leaders and invest in their forthcoming success, which will enhance the negative narratives of the city. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.steenfoundation.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremiah.steen/?hl=en