Our Team
Our team consists of dedicated professionals from various fields, all united by a
passion for supporting the 1890 land-grant universities. Each member brings unique expertise and a commitment to empowering students and communities through innovative education and outreach. We are inspired by the success stories we help create, from first-generation graduates to local farmers improving their practices. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to meaningful change.
Jewel Bronaugh
Ph.D, President and CEO
Dr. Jewel Bronaugh currently serves as President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. She is the second President and CEO in the Foundation’s history. In 2021, Dr. Bronaugh was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the 14th U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. She was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 13, 2021, and assumed office on May 17, 2021. She is the first Black woman to serve in this position.
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Luwanda Jenkins
Vice President for Partnerships and External Relations
Luwanda W. Jenkins has over 30 years of results-driven experience in government relations, public administration, small, minority, women's business enterprise program development, and corporate social responsibility. Ms. Jenkins currently serves as Senior Vice President for External Relations for the 1890 Universities Foundation, a Washington, DC organization representing the network of 19-Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Ms. Jenkins is responsible for cultivating partnerships and collaborations with numerous organizations, mostly private corporations and other funders who have invested in the mission of the 1890 Foundation and the 1890 land-grant universities.
Antonio McLauren
Ph.D, Vice President for Program Innovation and Implementation
In April 2021, Dr. Antonio McLaren joined the 1890 Universities Foundation as the Vice President for Program Innovation and Implementation. In this role, he manages high-impact programs and initiatives across the 1890 land-grant institutions to help them respond to new/emerging opportunities and challenges in the 21st century.
Shonda Andrews
Director of Development
With more than 15 years in the nonprofit sector, Shonda Andrews brings a unique blend of experience as a fundraising and communications writer.
Katrena Hanks
Director of Grants and Programs
Katrena R. Hanks joins the 1890 Universities Foundation after a 15-year career with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), a federal agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). She provided leadership and management for higher education, capacity building and scholarship/fellowship competitive grant programs.
Calece Hillard
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Calece joined the 1890 Universities Foundation as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer in May 2024 bringing over 14 years of accounting experience in the non-profit industry. She has primary responsibility to oversee and direct financial, accounting, grant management, investment and administrative activities in support of the Foundation’s organizational growth, financial stability, and community impact goals.
Quintin Gray
Agriculture Advisor
Mr. Gray provides the Foundation agricultural expertise gained from more than 25 years of service as an Agriculture Counselor at U.S. Embassies in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe helping U.S. companies market their food products.
LaKeisha Hendricks
Budget and Grants Administrator
LaKeisha Hendricks is the Budget & Grants Administrator providing guidance and oversight to sub-awardees ensuring compliance with federal grant requirements. Her responsibilities include responding to inquiries from stakeholders regarding federal grant policies, procedures, and project issues throughout the grant lifecycle.
Monique Sturdivant
Program Coordinator
Monique Sturdivant serves as the Program Coordinator for 1890 Universities Foundation. She is responsible for overseeing all Centers of Excellence work and streamlining departmental processes. In her role, Monique ensures that programs run efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall success and innovation within the organization.
John Parker
Chief of Staff
John Parker joined the 1890 Universities Foundation in June 2024 after serving almost three years as a Biden-Harris administration political appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). He currently serves as Chief of Staff to Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, John served as Special Advisor to U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small where he coordinated the Deputy’s communications strategy, travel, and event planning.
