A commitment to service: Deidra Jenkins ’90

Deidra Jenkins '90 describes herself as an "everyday volunteer helping people in the moment." It's an approach her mother instilled in her early on.

Driving through their Chicago neighborhood in winter, Jenkins' mother would spot people at bus stops in need of warm clothing and return later with sweaters or hats. "Service has always been an integral part of who I am," Jenkins explained. "I don't think of service or volunteering as tied to a single organization. It's about being present, about showing up, and about helping when the need exists in the moment."

A Chicago resident, Jenkins is a board member with New Moms, a nonprofit founded to support young mothers. She grew up with a sister who was a young mother. "And even though she didn't need the services, I could see what it would be like if you didn't have someone supporting you." Jenkins has also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana, and Back 2 School America.

In her professional role, Jenkins also lifts people up. She's worked for financial services firm Northern Trust for the past 36 years, most recently as the company's global chief inclusion officer, deploying and managing diversity and inclusion initiatives across the company.

"We often provide a place where people can come and talk and connect," said Jenkins. Every October, Northern Trust's Achieving Greater Together month of service gives employees the opportunity to focus on giving back and making a meaningful impact in the communities in which they work and live.

"It's very fulfilling, and it makes you slow down and say, 'I do have time to volunteer.' Northern Trust has been a huge part of me connecting to the community and community service. It's beautiful to see everybody coming together to volunteer across the globe. You can make space for it," she added.

This story is an excerpt from the spring/summer 2026 issue of Aurora University Magazine. Read the full story online about five alumni who are turning purpose into action and creating a meaningful impact in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.