I am delighted to announce that our Governing Board has elected Jennie Wilburn to the position of Program Associate for Immigrant and Farmworker Rights. Jennie is a 2009 cum laude graduate of Rice University with a major in Hispanic studies and sociology. At Rice, she was a recipient of the Barbara Jordan Scholarship, awarded for work that builds bridges between cultural, racial, and ethnic groups.
She will be graduating in May with a Master of Divinity from Duke and a Master of Social Work from UNC-Chapel Hill. During this dual-degree program, she interned with the Farmworker Advocacy Network, Durham C.A.N., and churches in Winston-Salem and Mexico City. Not only is she fluent in Spanish, fluent enough to preach and write poetry, but her concern about indigenous farmworkers led her to become conversant in Yucatec Maya. She comes highly recommended by those who know her and have worked with her. Chris Liu-Beers had a good deal of contact with her during her year at F.A.N., and he is very pleased for her to be coming in to continue his work.
Jennie will start with us as soon as possible after her early-May graduations, probably on May 19. We’re excited to have her joining our staff and look forward to the leadership she will give to the Council’s work on behalf of immigrants and farmworkers.
Bill Wilburn says
April 14, 2014 at 7:33 amJennie, I wish your Dad could see you now! He was always so excited to see how well you turned out. You make us few remaining Wilburns very proud,
Chris Liu-Beers says
April 9, 2014 at 12:15 pmCongrats on the new position, Jennie. I’m excited to see where you will take this position.
Spencer Connerat says
April 9, 2014 at 10:28 amPlease tell Jennie Wilburn congratulations! All my family, particularly in Savannah. Ga., have known and loved Jennie and her family since Jennie’s birth. Please tell her also that the next time she comes to Savannah to visit Asbury, she will be most welcome at White Bluff, assuming no Hurricane Party, a place she remembers well from her youth.
Laura Lawton says
April 9, 2014 at 10:20 amJenny, we are all so proud of you! What great work you are doing! Chris always loved you just as you are, but he would really love this!