Ionna Jimenez

Ionna Jimenez has a diverse work experience in the fields of justice innovation and business operations. Ionna started their career at the Center for Justice Innovation in 2013, where they worked in various roles, including Program Coordinator, Case Manager, and Program Associate. During their time there, they managed a caseload of young adults, provided wrap-around services, and facilitated workshops for basic education and workforce development. Ionna also executed civic and community benefit projects for young adult cohorts.

In 2015, Ionna became the Co-Owner and Chief of Operations at 3 Black Cats Cafe. Ionna was responsible for designing and implementing business operations, establishing branding guidelines, and evaluating team performance. Ionna maintained relationships with vendors, partners, and community-based organizations.

Ionna returned to the Center for Justice Innovation in 2017 as the Project Manager of Placemaking and Workforce Development. Ionna enhanced entrepreneurship programs, launched the Neighborhood Hub for small business support, and organized a Merchants Association on a struggling commercial corridor.

In 2019, Ionna was promoted to Associate Director of Placemaking & Workforce Development. Ionna forged partnerships with community stakeholders to create employment opportunities for young adults and coordinated workshops for career development. Ionna also fundraised to increase departmental funding.

In their most recent position as Project Director for the Brownsville Community Justice Center at the Center for Justice Innovation, Ionna led strategic planning and implementation for the Justice Center. Ionna managed a diverse funding portfolio, solidified relationships with city agencies and service providers, and supervised a team responsible for providing support services to youth enrolled in prosocial programming.

Ionna Jimenez attended TCI College of Technology and completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Ionna'sfield of study was Business Administration and Management.