As the borough's community foundation, we strive to build a more fair and just Brooklyn for everyone. This work wouldn't be possible without our community of grantee partners, donors and donor advisors, Board of Directors, and of course, our team. We'd like to honor the work of our team—much of which is behind-the-scenes—by shining the spotlight on their connections to Brooklyn, their neighborhoods, and the Foundation's mission.

As their internship comes to a close, we're spotlighting our Communications Intern Jasmine Chrispin (they/them/she/her), who over the past several months has provided our team with support around digital content development, most notably in graphic design and animation, and special communications projects. Jasmine is a New York native, artist, and graphic designer who commits themselves to cultivating community and mutual aid, with a centering ethos of joy as the most radical act people of color can commit to. As a child of immigrants, Jasmine is fascinated by environments and how they can shape our worldview; and sees Brooklyn as a place of life, warmth, and opportunity. They have loved working with Brooklyn Community Foundation and using their artistic talent to spark lasting change. Though her time at Brooklyn Community Foundation was short, the impression of the Foundation is massive!

We're thankful for all of Jasmine's contributions to the Foundation throughout their internship, and wish them the best of luck in the future. Read on to learn more about Jasmine.

What do you love about Brooklyn? 

I love how kind the people are in small actions. Someone always says good morning as you walk down the street; it's an incredibly welcoming community.

What’s something you love about your favorite Brooklyn neighborhood? 

Something I love about my favorite neighborhood, Bedford-Stuyvesant, is a local vintage store called Byas & Leon! The owners are friends of mine and the spot is like a watering hole where interesting people come to truly show up as themselves with one another. I always have a good time there because the environment lends itself to kindness and excitement!

What does Brooklyn Community Foundation’s mission to spark change mean to you?

I see this mission as one of nuance and equity. Understanding not only what people need, but the difference in their unique needs and creating opportunities for everyone to get their needs met.

What's Brooklyn to you in one word?

Belonging.