a do
gooder

turned designer

A do gooder turned designer.

Merging my background in nonprofits with decades of design experience.

I’ve worked either in or with nonprofits for 30+ years. My undergraduate degrees are in sociology, economics, and politics—so I have a deep understanding of the landscape in which you do your work. But it’s the place where my two worlds intersect—design and social good—that I find the most gratifying work.

I speak both nonprofit and design.

I love making things beautiful. But it’s crucial to elevate the voice of your organization, its mission, and its impact. The design has to serve the message, not the other way around. And my unique background and experience in the nonprofit field enables me to understand your mission and message more than most designers.

Both a partner.
And a part of
the team.

Because I think and speak from both perspectives, I can help you see new ways to communicate your message. Whether that’s through refining copy and enhancing your voice, suggesting new approaches, or modifying strategy when the landscape changes, I build collaborative relationships that help you grow.

The nitty gritty.

  • Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley

    ClimateWorks Foundation

    Community Foundation Marin County

    Gynuity

    Voice of Witness

    Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco

    East Bay College Fund

    Super Stars Literacy

    Oakland Community Organizations

    Oakland Ready to Learn

    UCSF Women’s Global Health Imperative

  • Forge Global

    Microsoft

    Hotwire

    Great Place To Work

    BlogTalkRadio

    Riverbed

  • Eileen Gordon Design

    Ardiana & Gialina

    Gordon+Greineder

    Stephen Arnn

    SKINutritious

    Colette Mercier

  • Certificate in Graphic Design UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 2002

    BA, Political Economy and Social Relations Graduated with Honors Michigan State University 1994

  • Jenn Cole Design
    2002-Present

    Designer, art director, consultant, content editor, and partner to dozens of clients, including nonprofits, small businesses, and individuals. I evolve brands and design marketing assets to elevate the message and engage the audience, and establish close partnerships with clients to further their goals.


    Habitat West Regional Office
    1996-2002
    Oakland, CA
    AmeriCorps*VISTA Manager/

    Ran California Statewide VISTA Program. Expanded to add a Statewide VISTA Program in Arizona. Managed 35 members across the two states including developing training, supervising, and providing mentorship. Wrote grants and reported to the Corporation for National Service to recruit and maintain membership and renew programs each year. Also coordinated regional training events, built curriculum and programs, provided trainings, and staffed events.


    Habitat West Regional Office
    1995-1996
    Oakland, CA
    AmeriCorps*VISTA Supervisor

    Habitat Midwest Regional Office
    1994-1995
    Chicago, IL
    AmeriCorps*VISTA Member