Deeply rooted in communications, Jewanna Apawu is a trusted philanthropy professional known for guiding clients through transformative engagement strategies that retain and heighten donor support.
Drawing on her 20-year tenure in stewardship operations, Apawu partners with healthcare organizations to strengthen, systematize and invigorate donor engagement, to elevate mission-driven storytelling and to advance fundraising success through multi-pronged outreach and campaigns. Her unique value comes from a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings, dynamics and challenges faced by small and large nonprofit fundraising teams – an understanding earned through her work spanning academic medicine, higher education and cultural institutions.
Before joining Jarrard in 2026, Apawu was senior director of stewardship at Rush University Medical Center, leading donor stewardship and engagement strategies for its 10-figure, multi-year fundraising campaign to eliminate barriers in healthcare and advance medical research.
Apawu earned her bachelor’s degree in 2004 from Purdue University. She is a member of the Association of Donor Relations Professionals, has served the Chicago community as an adult literacy tutor and is acting president of the Evergreen Park Public Library Foundation.
Worth Knowing:
- Named after 70s duo Captain & Tennille (thank goodness it’s not Captain)
- Enthusiastic boy mom and sideline coach
- Avid cruiser (10 cruises and counting!)
