Mattie Jenkins
Hometown
Tolar, TX
Major
Spanish
Cohort
16
Status
Fellow
DFE Location
Louisville, Kentucky
DFE Abstract
Mattie Jenkins spent 7 weeks during the summer of 2020 implementing EPG skills in the urban context of Louisville, Kentucky. She worked as an intern under Love Thy Neighborhood, a program connecting young adults from across the U.S. with local nonprofits. The program aims to equip the next generation of servant leaders to make an impact in social justice. Mattie concentrated as a Children’s Program Intern at Hope Place, a community center that offers resources to enable immigrant families to establish themselves in the U.S. As a leader at Camp Hope, she explored the value of sustainable outreach methods built on trust and patience. In addition, Mattie had the privilege of investing in her neighborhood, a low-income community near Downtown Louisville. There she met individuals who helped transform the lens through which she views life. Mattie’s presentation uncovered how a complex summer – full of challenges as well as opportunities for growth and leadership – brought her back to Berea, inspired and empowered to live with compassion and purpose.
