Remembering Jason Jenkins

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Remembering Jason Jenkins

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Remembering Jason Jenkins
1974-2022

This blog post is dedicated to our beloved YWCA South Florida board member and friend, Mr. Jason Jenkins. A devoted husband and adoring father of three, Jason passed away unexpectedly this past weekend. Our board is devastated and in shock.

We were honored to spend time with Jason during our annual board retreat, the day he tragically passed away. In true Jason style, he quietly leaned into doing whatever he could to support our mission. Jason was a doer, not a talker. He didn’t need to fill the room with extra words. Just his true commitment and an honest smile. Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said it best, “There wasn’t a day that passed when he didn’t light up the room.”

Jason, you are already greatly missed. Your fingerprints are everywhere in our community, and your leadership at YWCA South Florida has undoubtedly pushed us forward. We vow to keep your light and spirit alive. You will never be forgotten. We are eternally grateful for your service and your timeless contributions. Rest easy knowing you have created a legacy most only dream of. We are all better for having known you. – Your YWCA South Florida Family

Jason at SAR Press Conference
Jason was instrumental in our partnership with the Miami Dolphin’s Football UNITES program for our Stand Against Racism challenge. He made it known that ending racism and advancing dignity for all was a social justice movement to which he would commit his life’s work. Pictured above is Jason with Mary Dunworth from United Way of Miami, Loreen Chant from Health Foundation of South Florida, Kerry-Ann Royes, YWCA South Florida president & CEO, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Kelly-Ann Gibbs Cartwright of Holland & Knight, and Gordon Knowles of Miami Dade Chamber during our 2nd annual Stand Against Racism challenge press conference earlier this year.

 

Jason Jenkins Texas Tech Graduation
In 2018, Jason was invited back to his alma mater, Texas Tech, to give the commencement speech. He encouraged graduates to go out and change the world. His message to graduates included three main points: take advantage of relationships, hold true to your values and never lose courage. Learn more about Jason’s inspiring message.

 

Kerry-Ann Royes and Jason Jenkins
Jason pictured with YWCA South Florida president & CEO Kerry-Ann Royes at the Formula One Grand Prix, one of the countless initiatives he helped to cultivate in South Florida. Learn more about Jason’s passion for bringing GP to Hard Rock Stadium.

 

Honoring a community icon

Originally from Houston, Jason graduated from Texas Tech in 1997 with his bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism. After graduating, he worked in several positions in the Texas Tech Athletics department before moving on to the associate athletics director at Texas Southern University. He joined the Miami Dolphins in 2009 and was named the SVP of Communications and Community Affairs in 2015. He managed the media outreach, public relations, social media, and community efforts for the team, Hard Rock Stadium, and Formula One Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.

In addition to working for the Dolphins, he was also a board member for the Anti-Defamation League Florida, Breakthrough Miami, Dolphins Challenge Cancer, Pro Sports Assembly, Urban League of Broward County, Women of Tomorrow and YWCA South Florida.

Jason was one of only three men to serve on the YWCA South Florida board throughout our 102-year existence.

Thank you, Jason, for helping us eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.