This October, Judith Joseph Jenkins ’91, P’28 talked with Middle School students during assembly about her time at Spence, her career in law, the concept of home and courage.

 

Students were welcomed to assembly with the song “Home” from the play The Wiz. Jenkins quoted a line in the song that states, “When I think of home, I think of a place where there is love overflowing.” She shared family photos to talk about what the word “home” conjures up for her: she thinks of her parents and the courage they have helped her obtain.

 

Jenkins offered a compelling personal narrative about her family background and her Spence experience and had the opportunity to engage students in a series of questions, including the meaning of “courage.” She talked about the courage it initially took for her to come to a new school from her home community school, and the many “firsts” she experienced at Spence–Jenkins was the first president of ALAS and a member of the School’s first Select Choir.

 

She then discussed her work with the New York City Housing Authority by first considering different ideas of what “home” means to people. Students offered that being home to them means being somewhere safe and happy. Jenkins shared the positive work NYCHA does to provide housing for low- and moderate-income New Yorkers, and the challenges that can arise in such a complex endeavor.

 

Jenkins received her undergraduate degree from Columbia University and her Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law. She was an attorney in the General Litigation division of the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). She recently transitioned to a position as an Associate Director in Columbia University’s office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.