Chidi Jenkins

Board Member,
Second Round Foundation

Chidi Jenkins is a dedicated leader committed to advancing the health, well-being, and resilience of children and families. With over a decade of experience in public health, education, and public safety, Chidi specializes in driving systemic change through strategic collaboration, policy development, and cross-sector partnerships.

As Senior Officer for Leadership and Public Policy at Ascend at the Aspen Institute, Chidi works with diverse leaders across sectors to create equitable opportunities and improve outcomes for communities nationwide. She provides strategic support for policy planning, technical assistance, and systems change strategies that center on the needs of children and families.

Prior to joining Ascend, Chidi served as Advisor on Childhood Trauma and Resiliency to former Governor Ralph Northam of Virginia. In this role, she championed trauma-informed practices and policies by engaging individuals with lived experience, community leaders, and state agencies to foster resilience and improve outcomes for children and families across the Commonwealth. Her work remains a testament to the power of connection and collaboration in driving meaningful change.

A first-generation Nigerian American raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Chidi is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia, where she was a student-athlete on the women’s track & field team. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in French Language & Literature and a Master of Teaching.

Chidi’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional roles. She is a member of the Richmond Montessori School Board of Trustees and previously served as Senior Advisor to Youth-Nex at the University of Virginia’s School of Education and Human Development, further demonstrating her dedication to empowering young people and creating systemic solutions that benefit underserved communities.

Now based in Richmond, Virginia, Chidi balances her professional commitments with her role as a mother and advocate for equitable opportunities. Her leadership at the Second Round Foundation reflects her passion for building resilience, fostering connection, and driving lasting impact for children and families.