Kean University Graduate Found ‘Dream Job’ in Non-Profit Work

Kean University alumna Brigitte Jean-Louis ’22 loved the idea of working in the non-profit world, and at Kean she found the skills and motivation to get her there. 

As the director of mission advancement at YWCA Princeton, Jean-Louis, of Burlington Township, develops programs to empower women and combat racism. She hopes to further her commitment to doing good by someday working in politics or government. 

“It is truly a dream job getting to help people for a living. I love my work at YWCA Princeton,” she said. “Long-term, I look forward to being in a role where I can help and effect change in more lives.” 

Jean-Louis earned a degree in communication studies from Kean in 2022, after completing her associate degree from Ocean County College. She was hired at the YWCA two weeks before she graduated from Kean and has already been promoted three times to her current role. 

At YWCA Princeton, she oversees advocacy and mission-related programs, including civic engagement and equity initiatives, and works on marketing and communications efforts. Included in her work, she launched a workforce development program supporting women and people of color entering the job market and advocated on Capitol Hill and in Trenton. 

Jean-Louis' job also includes working on the YWCA’s Get Out the Vote initiative, and working with high school students, both in voter education and as a volleyball coach at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville and Marlton Volleyball Club in Marlton, NJ.  

“I take such pride in getting to share something I love with the next generation while encouraging them to perform their best,” she said. 

At Kean, Jean-Louis said she gained innumerable skills in her classes with communications faculty members Gina Gili and Courtney Atkins, and received support from Paul Casey, associate director of employer engagement at Kean’s Office of Career Services. 

“I remember a tearful conversation with Mr. Casey about my struggles to find a full-time position,” she said. “He helped me find my current employer.” 

Casey described her as a “great representative of Kean.”  

“Her commitment to helping others, social justice, and voting rights, among other things, is so impressive,” he said. 

Moving forward, the proud daughter of two Haitian immigrants said she pictures herself in the political sphere, whether as a candidate, working for a representative, or serving in government. 

“I would love to be part of policies that create equity and opportunity for people on a grander scale,” she said. 

At YWCA Princeton, Chief Executive Officer Rosanda Wong said she believes Jean-Louis has the potential to continue growing and contributing in the nonprofit sector. 

"Brigitte is passionate about nonprofit work and genuinely believes in the mission of YWCA Princeton. She is motivated by purpose and brings heart to her work, which is an important asset in this field,” Wong said. “Her values align with our organization’s, and she continues to show interest in growing her skills and contributing to meaningful community change.”