October 26, 2021 | By: Lateefah Simon
Dear friends,
After seven outstanding years as Akonadi’s communications manager, Renee Geesler has decided to transition from the Foundation to become VP of Administration at Jordan Real Estate Investments (JREI). In her new role, Renee will be working with Wayne Jordan, the co-founder of Akonadi Foundation; Betsy Beros; and the JREI staff to expand the organization’s administrative functions and bring her organizational, project management, and community engagement skills to the management and continued growth of JREI’s real estate portfolio.
As many of you know, Renee has been an incredible asset to Akonadi Foundation, and is a recognized community leader in Oakland. Renee has worked in the Bay Area non-profit sector for over two decades, focusing on racial justice communications and project management. She joined Akonadi Foundation in 2014 to help increase the organization’s administrative and communications capacity. During that time, she launched the foundation’s communications department and bolstered our communications strategy and social media presence. She orchestrated many arts and cultural events, including our annual holiday party celebration, which included Bay Area cultural icons like Dwayne Wiggins and Goapele.
Most recently, Renee partnered with program staff to launch the Mapping Project, Belonging in Oakland, Creatives in Place and several other successful programs. Under Renee’s leadership, the Racial Justice Poster Project has become a signature Akonadi program that has garnered much love and admiration across Oakland and beyond. She coordinated a 10-year evaluation of RJPP, the publication of a coffee table book, and an annual window exhibit in partnership with Jordan Real Estate Investments and Civic Design Studios.
We cannot thank Renee enough for the energy, optimism and dedication she’s brought to our work each and every day. Renee, I speak for all of us at Akonadi in saying that it’s been a profound honor to work alongside you. The foundation, staff and grant partners have benefited greatly from your creativity, care and commitment to racial justice and to Oakland.
We’re glad you’ll still be in the family, and we can’t wait to see how you shine in this next, exciting role. Thank you, Renee.
Please join us in thanking Renee and in wishing her continued success.
In community,
Lateefah Simon