Jenni Kotting
Jenni Kotting, PhD, she/her
Timezones: ET / CT / MT
PUBLICATIONS
Equity Policy Toolkit for School Boards, Race Forward and H.E.A.L. Together, co-writer and team lead, 2023.
Community Schools Leader Insight Series, Brookings Institution, 2022.
Safe and Welcoming Public Meetings to Bridge Divides: School Board Model Policy Template: Public Participation in Meetings & Student Representation, Partnership for the Future of Learning, co-writer, 2022.
Toolkit: Communicating about Racial Equity in a Charged Environment in 2022 (Updated Version), Coalition for Oregon School Administrators, 2022.
Anti-racism and equity in schools is empirical, not ideological, K-12 Dive, 2021.
Truth in Our Classrooms Bridges Divides: A Messaging Guide, Partnership for the Future of Learning, lead writer, 2021.
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Jenni Kotting, PhD (she/her) is a seasoned Communications Strategist who has dedicated her career to using narrative as a powerful tool for cultural and political change. Born in the Appalachian mountains of Maryland, Jenni learned early on that real change comes from heart-to-heart conversations where trust is built through honest, respectful dialogue — finding common ground without diluting one's values or compromising on core beliefs, even when navigating political, cultural, and personal divides.
Jenni holds a PhD in Human Geography from the University of Minnesota, where her academic focus on place, power, and liberation continues to inform her professional approach. That understanding drives her approach to strategic messaging, compassionate dialogue, and crisis communications across sectors, including nonprofits, school districts, philanthropies, and advocacy networks. Jenni's work spans reproductive justice, racial equity, youth leadership, education, and birth justice.
She is known for her creativity and deeply held values in designing ethical storytelling programs, producing innovative visual media, and translating complex issues into accessible, action-driven stories that inspire change at every level. Her professional background includes a proven ability to build organizational strategy, and execute and complete projects with resourcefulness and attention to deadlines. She's just as powerful in rapid response mode as in long term, big picture planning.
She's a gamer, gardener, and a thorn in the side of conspiracy theorists.
Current Focus: Communications, graphic and web design, narrative change, and branding for nonprofits with specific attention to public education, racial equity, Reproductive Justice, and storytelling.
Learn more about Jenni’s work at jkotting.com and torresmontoyakotting.com.
Jenni’s Core Skills + Offerings:
Strategic and Crisis Communications: Expertise in developing and executing communication strategies for various organizations, including technical assistance, crisis communication plans, challenging conversations trainings, narrative change strategies, and more.
Branding and Graphic Design: Proven track record in leading complete rebranding processes and establishing subbrands, demonstrating a strong sense of visual identity and market positioning; skilled in creating visually appealing designs and functional websites, as evidenced by multiple projects in graphic design, web design, and maintenance.
Research and Writing: Demonstrated ability in conducting research and crafting compelling written content, with several publications and reports to credit.
Advocacy and Community Engagement: Strong background in evidence-based practices and advocating for underserved and resilient communities (multilingual/ELL students, Native students, communities of color, rural and small districts, low income communities, LGBT2SIA+ students, and more), amplifying spokespeople through strategic communications and storytelling efforts, and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
Network Engagement and Programs: Experienced in designing and managing network engagement strategies that foster collaboration, capacity building, and community empowerment. Skilled in developing programs tailored to the unique needs of both large national organizations and smaller, local groups. Adept at creating participatory frameworks, coordinating regional and national campaigns, and facilitating strategic partnerships. Focused on leveraging collective expertise to amplify voices, share knowledge, and drive impactful, justice-oriented work.
Facilitation and Inclusive Process Design: Proficient in managing a wide range of projects, from facilitation and event planning and website redesigns to national campaigns and regional trainings, taking a collaborative, iterative, inclusive approach to process design.
Training and Workshop Facilitation: Experienced in developing and delivering educational materials and workshops for various audiences, facilitating compassionate social justice spaces, and emphasizing capacity building and knowledge transfer.