Meet The Changemakers
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we spoke with women who stand with their communities through the work they do—some lead our favorite nonprofits, others are JCPenney associates giving back to local charities. Together, they’re raising the bar for better in their communities.
Claire Babineaux-Fontenot
CEO
Claire is the CEO of Feeding America, the US’s largest charity. A tax attorney by trade, Claire is dedicated to strengthening communities and has served on many non-profit boards, including Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children and National Urban League. In 2020, she was named among Time’s 100 Most Influential People.
From 2022-2025, JCPenney Communities Foundation will contribute $500K to Feeding America.
Pamela
Director, Programs Management, JCPenney
In 2017, Pamela began volunteering at Dress for Success® Dallas and quickly realized there was more she could do to give back to the community. In 2019, she joined the Dress for Success® Dallas Board of Directors as the Vice President and took over the role of CEO in 2021.
For 2024, JCPenney has committed $50K to Dress for Success® Worldwide. In addition, we’ve also donated $5,000 to Dress for Success® Dallas on Pamela’s behalf, which will help sponsor an event in March.
Gabriela Kane Guardia
Executive Director
A passionate advocate for Latina prosperity through culturally relevant STEAM education, Gabriela began as a volunteer and now heads up Latinitas.
To date, JCPenney has donated $200K to Latinitas, with an additional $100K committed for 2024.
Rachel Currie Triska
CEO
Well known for her advocacy in justice and equity, Rachel was named Champion for the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas. In 2023, she became CEO of VolunteerNow, a national thought leader on volunteerism.
For over 30 years, JCPenney headquarters has partnered with VolunteerNow to provide over $21 million in donated goods.
Madelyn (Grace)
Designer, JCPenney Salon
Believing that we can be beacons of hope for the homeless through personal testimony and service, Grace began volunteering two years ago cutting hair for the homeless at Austin Street Center in Dallas.
JCPenney donated $1,000 to Austin Street Center on Grace’s behalf.
Soudary Kittivong-Greenbaum
Vice President, Development
With more than 20 years of experience driving fundraising initiatives for diverse nonprofits, Soudary now leads a team activating philanthropic supporters at Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
From 2023-2025, JCPenney Communities Foundation will contribute $300K in support of Healthier Generation’s The Walking Classroom.
Carol
Sales Associate + Cashier, JCPenney
In 2023, Carol invested over 270 volunteer radio host hours with nonprofit broadcaster Brazos Educational Radio (KEOS 89.1) and was awarded James Cash Penney Volunteer Grants totaling $600 for the organization.
JCPenney donated $1,000 to Brazos Educational Radio on Carol’s behalf.
