Intercultural Outreach Coordinator Jeanna Bauer, with West Des Moines Community Schools Community Education, identifies need and develops programming that reflects the diverse interests and experiences of the community. Jeanna coordinates opportunities to help district staff and community members develop their skills in inclusion, welcoming, and accessibility. She also reviews and adjusts processes and structures to ensure all district families—particularly newcomers and traditionally underserved populations—have equal access.

Jeanna has been working alongside refugee and displaced communities, primarily from Burma, for nearly 10 years. In that time, she has specialized in developing culturally responsive programming for ethnic community-based organizations in the Midwest and international non-governmental organizations. In her previous position as the Community Navigator Manager at the Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center, she managed a train-the-trainer support group for mothers adjusting to parenting in a new country.

This fall, Jeanna will pursue a master’s in Social Anthropology of Development at the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies. She will explore the impact social and cultural dynamics have on intervention programs and the relationship between local communities, civil society, and NGOs in development.