About Jumana
I started JVasi Consulting, LLC in 2017 as a fingers-crossed, hoping-for-the-best, launch into making my own way in the world. My freelance experience includes the roles of evaluator, advisor, researcher, grantmaking manager, fundraiser, coach, and facilitator – all with a focus on helping environmental nonprofits and foundations work in more just, sustainable, and effective ways.
While philanthropic employment comes with a lot of perks – these last four years in the real world have been the best yet. I’ve worked with, and learned from, nonprofit leaders across the country. These colleagues and friends (particularly those in the environmental justice movement) give their hearts and souls – and sacrifice their health and wealth – every day to stand up for what they believe in. Through ingenuity, innovation, tenacity, and love, they help their communities advance in the face of racism, pollution, and overall disinvestment. I am so thankful to work side-by-side with people I deeply respect and admire.
I bring over a decade of grantmaking and philanthropic experience to my clients and projects.
I also bring a wide range of nonprofit experience as staff, consultant, board member, and volunteer. I’ve led program assessments and designed new policy approaches, conducted field research, developed and implemented fundraising plans, strengthened partner and foundation relationships, supported board learning and development, and conducted equity, diversity, and inclusion assessments and trainings.
While I have a broad background in environmental and climate policy, water policy is where my heart is. As a program officer for the C.S. Mott Foundation, I supported Midwestern grantees working to protect waterways from threats such as mining, oil transport, industrial and nutrient pollution, and invasive species through the Clean Water Act. In response to the drinking water crisis in Flint, I developed a new grantmaking initiative to help communities deliver safe, affordable, and efficient water services to all residents. I’ve continued to support clean water act and drinking water advocacy at local, regional, and national levels as both a volunteer and client representative.
During my early years in Chicago, I served as the Resource Development Director at two community-based organizations in Chicago and participated in environmental justice assessments for projects at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Aviation Administration.
In my spare time, I take every opportunity to sharpen my skills and learn something new. I read stacks of books about everything from the history of the financial system to speculative fiction written by Black & Brown authors. I attended Interaction Institute for Social Change facilitation trainings and learned public speaking through Speakeasy Inc. I studied karate and joined classes in sewing (useful), ballroom dancing (fun), new-agey birthing techniques (don’t recommend – I’ll tell you why over coffee one day), and auto maintenance and repair (highly recommend – check out options at your local community college).
I participated in the Center for Diversity and Environment (CDE) leadership program – twice. Both times, I started with some hesitancy (as a South Asian woman with a background in environmental justice, didn’t I already know this stuff???) and left with a deeper understanding of racial justice and gender equity, particularly as they manifest in the environmental field.
My first cohort with CDE was particularly transformative – I was in my late 30s and had never before been in a room with more than 3 other people of color working in the environmental field. (Thankfully, a lot has changed in just 6 years.) I frequently run into friends from that cohort and am crazy proud to see so many of us in nonprofit and philanthropic leadership roles.
My Master’s degree is from the University of Michigan’s School of Environment and Sustainability where I had the privilege of working with Dr. Dorceta Taylor (my thesis advisor), Dr. Bunyan Bryant, and Dr. Paul Mohai – three of the preeminent environmental justice researchers in the country. In particular, I owe my career path to Dr. Taylor who first introduced me to the issues of environmental justice and who has been an unparalleled mentor, supporter, and counselor over the years.
Finally, I am proud to serve as the Chair of River Network’s Board of Director, on the Steering Committee of the Fund to Build Grassroots Power, and as a member of the Green Leadership Trust. I previously served on the Board of the Americana Fund, Windward Fund, Visiting Committee of the University of Michigan’s School of Environment and Sustainability, the Advisory Board of the University of Michigan’s Water Center, member of the Great Lakes Funders Steering Committee, and as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of the Environmental Grantmakers Association.
In pre-COVID times, I was frequently found enjoying live music at one of Southeastern Michigan’s fabulous venues with my husband, having bubble tea with my two teens, trying a new restaurant, or spending hours at a bookstore or library. I love to travel and explore with family & friends – but if you ever see me camping somewhere without plumbing or swimming in water colder than 90 degrees Fahrenheit – assume that I’m there under duress and rescue me, please.
If you’ve made it to the end of this long written soliloquy, it means you love me dearly (love you too, mom!)- or you are considering me for a project. Either way, I hope to hear from you soon.
— JUmana Vasi, Principal of JVasi Consulting, LLC
If you are committed to equitable practices, enthusiastic about trying new approaches, and focused on long-term, meaningful change – I would love to partner with you in creating a healthier, happier planet for us all.
The liberation of the earth, the liberation of women, the liberation of all humanity is the next step of freedom we need to work for, and it’s the next step of peace that we need to create.
— Vandana Shiva