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Jenavia Weaver: Empowering Communities Through Cultural Heritage and Service

Jenavia Weaver has dedicated over three decades to uplifting her community through innovative programs and commitment.

Jenavia Weaver has dedicated over three decades to uplifting her community through innovative programs and unwavering commitment. As Co-Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Citadel International and R.A.R.E. Genius LLC, Jenavia’s story is one of community service, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment.


Celebrating exceptional local women making significant impacts in our community.

Our 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners were nominated by peers and selected by the Family Focus Media team based on their achievements and dedication to creating positive change, as revealed through comprehensive questionnaires. Their profiles showcase their inspiring journeys and accomplishments.

Beyond the awards, our Women of Influence Luncheons and Speed Networking Night attendees form our growing “Women of Influence Network,” a community fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. We invite you to explore our Award Winners’ stories and leverage our Network Directory in the Women of Influence Guide. Reach out to fellow members to harness the power of our network through shared growth and support. For further engagement, we welcome business and nonprofit leaders to join our Family Focus Media Community Builders Group on Facebook and our NEW Women of Influence LinkedIn Group.


A Life Dedicated to Service

Jenavia’s journey is woven with grassroots activism and personal commitment. “I believe in trailblazing in order to create community impact and empowerment,” Jenavia states. “This means not complaining about what needs to get done but recognizing, I see it therefore it’s my duty to do the work.”

Her commitment to service began with a simple promise to provide a summer program for young black boys and girls, even when expected funding fell through. This experience solidified her belief that “you can’t wait for anyone to give you anything. If you see it is your duty to fix, to serve and to heal.”

Cultural Preservation and Empowerment

Jenavia’s work is deeply rooted in traditional African spirituality and cultural preservation. She has created numerous programs that celebrate and empower black youth and womanhood, including:

  • African Centered Womanhood and Manhood Development Workshops
  • THE MISS BLACK GENEZ CROWNING: celebrating the natural beauty and expression of modern African-centered women
  • The Annual Black Girl Games: preserving traditional games steeped in African traditions

These initiatives not only preserve cultural heritage but also build self-esteem and community pride among participants.

Community Support and Outreach

Jenavia and her husband have established the “I Have You Have” Homeless Feeding Program, demonstrating their belief that “there will always be room for one more at the table.” This program, like many of their initiatives, is funded entirely from their personal household budget, showcasing their dedication to community service.

Professional Excellence and Mentorship

As the Director of Student Engagement at the Community College of Philadelphia, Jenavia brings her passion for empowerment to higher education. She actively mentors others, emphasizing perseverance and excellence. One of her proudest achievements is helping a young woman overcome personal adversity to complete her degree and build a strong family unit.

Guiding Principles

Jenavia lives by six guiding principles, which she shares as advice for aspiring women leaders:

  1. “Success is not just about what you accomplish in your life; it’s about what you inspire others to do.”
  2. “A person without knowledge of their history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
  3. “You must act like it is impossible to fail.”
  4. Advocate for Yourself: Speak up about your achievements, goals, and aspirations.
  5. Lift Others Up: As you climb, extend a hand to lift others.
  6. Lead Authentically: Be true to yourself.

A Legacy of Impact

Jenavia Weaver’s work embodies the spirit of community service and cultural empowerment. Her husband, who nominated her, describes her as “a Servant Leader” whose dedication has remained strong for over three decades. Jenavia continues to create spaces for empowerment and celebration, ensuring that future generations dream bigger and strive for excellence.

As a cultural strategist, dancer, and speaker, Jenavia uses her talents to amplify voices that often go unheard. Her work aligns perfectly with the goal of celebrating diversity and inclusion, highlighting the strength of the entire community. Jenavia’s unwavering dedication to service, cultural preservation, and empowerment makes her a true Woman of Influence, whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Philadelphia Family Contributing Writer. Learn more about Jen at https://www.jenwarnerwrites.com/

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