Meet Jenni Baker Booker

When Jenni Booker Baker began her new role as Steward’s director of development this month, she brought with her a wealth of experience in working with youth development and educational organizations. Most recently, she led development for the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and was previously with Richmond Montessori School, Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia, Higher Achievement, and St. Margaret’s School.

We caught up with her to learn more about what drew her to Steward and her plans for her tenure.

You’ve worked with several independent schools in your career. What draws you to them?

I started my career in development at St. Margaret’s School in Tappahannock, Virginia, my alma mater. They invited me to join their team as a young alum, and I immediately knew that being part of an independent school felt right for me. It felt like home. Fundraising for a school is a privilege. You are helping change the trajectory of students’ and families’ lives. You see someone come in as a timid four- or five-year-old, and then you watch them walk across the stage at graduation as a gracious and poised young adult. I love that journey; it’s the most special part of a school. There are bound to be good and bad days, but every child who walks through the door is going to be nurtured and championed — just like I was by my school.

Why Steward?

My older brother was a student here in the 1980s, so the school has always been special to my family. I love the heart of this school, which hasn’t changed in the years that I have watched Steward grow and flourish. I appreciate how Steward cares for the individual child and helps each one grow into citizens of the world. This is such a supportive community for families to learn and grow together.

What does it mean to you to be part of the Steward community?

Being a part of the Steward community represents a kind of “coming home” for me. My heart has always been drawn to the independent school community. Steward has cultivated a strong mission of service to developing the whole child within an inclusive and spirited school culture. As I engaged with the Steward community in my first days, I experienced an authentic sense that the school is living this mission with joy each and every day.

What do you hope to accomplish in your first year at Steward? Building relationships and growing our community of involved Spartans is the one thing I am most looking forward to. I am particularly looking forward to helping build excitement around our 50th birthday in 2022, successfully wrapping up the capital campaign, Steward50, and planning an amazing celebration that honors our past, present and very bright future.