Our Team

Jewel Bronaugh

Ph.D, President and CEO

Dr. Jewel Bronaugh currently serves as President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. She is the second President and CEO in the Foundation’s history. In 2021, Dr. Bronaugh was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as the 14th U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. She was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 13, 2021, and assumed office on May 17, 2021. She is the first Black woman to serve in this position.

Luwanda Jenkins

Vice President for Partnerships and External Relations

Luwanda W. Jenkins has over 30 years of results-driven experience in government relations, public administration, small, minority, women's business enterprise program development, and corporate social responsibility. Ms. Jenkins currently serves as Senior Vice President for External Relations for the 1890 Universities Foundation, a Washington, DC organization representing the network of 19-Historically Black Land-Grant Universities. Ms. Jenkins is responsible for cultivating partnerships and collaborations with numerous organizations, mostly private corporations and other funders who have invested in the mission of the 1890 Foundation and the 1890 land-grant universities.

Antonio McLaren 

Ed.D, Vice President for Program Innovation and Implementation

In April 2021, Dr. Antonio McLaren joined the 1890 Universities Foundation as the Vice President for Program Innovation and Implementation. In this role, he manages high-impact programs and initiatives across the 1890 land-grant institutions to help them respond to new/emerging opportunities and challenges in the 21st century.

Shonda Andrews

Director of Development

With more than 15 years in the nonprofit sector, Shonda Andrews brings a unique blend of experience as a fundraising and communications writer.

Katrena Hanks

Director of Grants and Programs

Katrena R. Hanks serves as the Director of Grants and Programs with the 1890 Universities Foundation. Her primary areas of expertise are the Centers of Excellence at 1890 Institutions, the flagship initiative of the nineteen historically Black land-grant universities. Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Hanks provided leadership for competitive grant programs with the United States Department of Agriculture and served as a community redevelopment planner along Florida’s Treasure Coast.

Calece Hillard

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Calece joined the 1890 Universities Foundation as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer in May 2024 bringing over 14 years of accounting experience in the non-profit industry. She has primary responsibility to oversee and direct financial, accounting, grant management, investment and administrative activities in support of the Foundation’s organizational growth, financial stability, and community impact goals.

Quintin Gray

Agriculture Advisor

Mr. Gray provides the Foundation agricultural expertise gained from more than 25 years of service as an Agriculture Counselor at U.S. Embassies in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe helping U.S. companies market their food products.

Monique Sturdivant

Program Coordinator

Monique Sturdivant serves as the Program Coordinator for 1890 Universities Foundation. She is responsible for overseeing all Centers of Excellence work and streamlining departmental processes. In her role, Monique ensures that programs run efficiently and effectively, contributing to the overall success and innovation within the organization.

John Parker 

Chief of Staff

John Parker joined the 1890 Universities Foundation in June 2024 after serving almost three years as a Biden-Harris administration political appointee at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). He currently serves as Chief of Staff to Dr. Jewel Bronaugh, President and CEO of the 1890 Universities Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, John served as Special Advisor to U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small where he coordinated the Deputy’s communications strategy, travel, and event planning.