Ray Joins West Central Initiative Development Staff

FERGUS FALLS, MINN — Jenna Ray of Morris, Minnesota, has joined West Central Initiative as a Development Associate.

Ray will help to create new outreach and community engagement efforts, increase interactions among donors, and strengthen the organization’s donor database.

“Jenna will connect and engage with people throughout our region to further West Central Initiative’s philanthropic efforts,” said Director of Development Rebecca Lynn Petersen. “Building our capacity through philanthropy will benefit this region in so many ways.” For example, Petersen said, last year West Central Initiative distributed grants totaling almost $1 million, along with more than $6 million in funds secured for businesses and organizations within the region.

Prior to joining West Central Initiative, Ray worked as an editor/writer and, more recently, as a senior communications specialist for the University of Minnesota Morris, where she also earned her B.A. degree in English with emphasis in Multicultural Studies and Theatre Arts. She is a lineal descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, with ties to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana.

Ray has volunteered or worked with numerous community and university organizations including GiveMN, Prairie Renaissance Cultural Alliance, Morris Area Business Advisory Council, and Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center. She also is a member of the University of Minnesota President’s Club Heritage Society

“I believe philanthropy is for everyone, and there’s no greater joy than helping caring individuals find ways to bring their visions for the futures of their communities to life,” said Ray. ”Minnesota is my home, and I am so proud and excited to serve it in this new capacity.”

West Central Initiative is a regional community foundation serving the nine west central Minnesota counties of Becker, Clay, Douglas, Grant, Otter Tail, Pope, Stevens, Traverse, Wilkin and the portion of White Earth Nation in Becker County. WCI invests resources in communities for regional success, using the tools of economic development and community development, and by promoting philanthropy. Learn more at wcif.org.  

Story and Photo provided by West Central Initiative