KALAMAZOO COUNTY -- Kalamazoo Community Foundation (KZCF) recently welcomed Jennifer Heymoss as a new Community Investment Officer.

Heymoss brings to the role a wealth of experience and a passion for mentoring, innovating education, and equity. During her 15 years in the education field, Heymoss has served as a teacher, youth development professional and teacher educator in Kalamazoo.

Prior to her arrival at KZCF, Heymoss educated teachers as the Director of Clinical Experiences in Western Michigan University’s College of Education and Human Development. She also worked as Program Director for the Kalamazoo Jeter’s Leaders program through the Turn 2 Foundation and taught English at Kalamazoo Central High School. Her previous roles focused on developing educators in the community who value anti-oppressive pedagogy and amplifying youth voices within their institutions and organizations.

A proud first-generation college student, Heymoss earned both her Bachelor of Arts in English Secondary Education and Master of Arts in Socio-Cultural Foundations of Education from Western Michigan University.

In her new role on the Community Investment team, Heymoss will support an equitable and effective grantmaking process and build relationships with community partners.

"The values KZCF works to uphold are in alignment with my values and I am excited to a be part of the organization," Heymoss said. "I can’t think of a better way to serve the community I love."

"We are incredibly thrilled to have Jen join our Community Investment team and the Kalamazoo Community Foundation," said Sandy Barry-Loken, KZCF senior Community Investment officer. "Her extensive expertise and experience in advancing equity both within educational systems and in the nonprofit sector, as well as her deep love for the Kalamazoo community are tremendous assets to our work."

KZCF, established in 1925, has the vision of Kalamazoo County being the most equitable place to live, with the mission to remove barriers through building relationships and connecting resources so people can reach full potential. Learn more at kalfound.org.