
Jennifer Coleman
Program Director for Creative Culture and Art, the George Gund Foundation, a nonprofit institution with the sole purpose of contributing to human well-being and the progress of society.
Northeast Ohio native or transplant?
Native.
Why the Northeast Ohio Region?
Art assets. Cleveland & the Northeast Ohio Region punches above its weight in the arts environment. Between public funding, individual support, and foundation support, fledgling and century-old arts organizations thrive here. Cleveland is consistently named as a vibrant city for the arts.
Supportive communities. We have very supportive business and non-profit communities – there’s a structure in place to ensure that our non-profits thrive. You just will not find that in other places.
History. Our rich history is our special sauce … and it tells the development of our country in many ways, especially when you look at events like the industrial revolution. The innovative spirit of our past still exists here today.
Mentorship and development. Our professional community is huge on mentorship and our organizations serve as incubators for young talent.
Proximity. Not only do we enjoy a famously short commute; we offer close proximity to big cities and even to other countries (it’s so easy to get to Toronto from here).
Perfect day in the Northeast Ohio Region?
Picking up a breakfast bagel at The Cleveland Bagel Company before heading to a walk along the Centennial Trail to the Metroparks’ Wendy Park along Lake Erie, then dinner at one of Cleveland’s fantastic restaurants, followed by a play at the Cleveland Public Theatre or Karamu House … and maybe a nightcap at L’Albatros, on the way home.
