Jodi-Renee (JR) Girón is a community organizer and advocate with over 25 years of experience. Known for her ability to unlock community potential, JR is an expert in grassroots advocacy, frequently speaking at local and national events. Her background includes advocacy victories in Colorado, Michigan, and Nebraska. JR began this journey in a “lived experience” role, working to address issues affecting her own disenfranchised neighborhood. As such, she places a high value on the ability of a coordinated and informed community of everyday citizens to impact the policies that govern them. After working as a policy advocate in areas like gang diversion, prisoner re-entry, and equitable access to education, she joined First Five Nebraska (FFN) in 2021, where she supports emerging grassroots leaders on their journeys to lift community voices and drive impact. She also leads FFN’s Policy Leadership Academy, Nebraska’s premier grassroots advocacy training program.