Jonah Cool

For my Life of Service gifts, first I selected Wheaton College. Wheaton and it’s biology department helped me not only see science as a pursuit but one that is creative and community driven. Recently they received support to help enable and empower underrepresented students to engage with biology. My gift seeks to enrich this experience by providing additional travel fellowship for these students to attend meetings that they may not otherwise and also to bring world class researchers to campus. The goal is to inspire and connect these brilliant students to the community and magic of cutting edge research.

The next organization I chose to support is Ecumenical Hunger Program. EHP has been an important part of my life and the lives of so many in the Bay Area. They support those that need the support. They have inspired me to think locally and lend a hand to those that need it. A connection to the community is so important to me.

Finally, I chose to support Mission House. This year was a year of reconnecting. But it was also a year to sense the loss of those that passed away over COVID-19 without always having the time or opportunity to say goodbye. One of my closest friends and mentors passed away suddenly and was taken care of by the amazing Mission House team. Their humanness and care was touching and profound. The gift was in their memory and also an acknowledgement that care has to be kept local and human.

I wanted to try and support an organization doing amazing work that promotes just, equitable and conscientious work within our community.

I was born in the Bay Area and have an affinity for the local hills, culture and region. It is my home and also the place that has helped inform my worldview. As a child I volunteered at local organizations (Eucemenical Hunger Project among my favorites) and always admired the way that the community came together to support those that needed help. Now at CZI, I feel exceptionally fortunate to be back in the Bay Area and in an organization that is thinking globally (my work in science supports work in over 20 countries!) but also at home. I continue to stay engaged with local causes and look for opportunities to support the people and places that make the Bay Area a special place.