Leadership as Generosity: Jill Rosenberg Jones on Philanthropy, Purpose, and Service

In episode 18 of Catching North Stars, Jill Rosenberg Jones, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the James Weldon Johnson Foundation and Executor of the James Weldon Johnson Literary Estate sat down with host Alexis Halkovic for a thoughtful discussion on leadership, service, and legacy-building.

Jill’s journey into leadership is marked by a deep commitment to empathy and stewardship. Over her long career in the financial services industry, she built a reputation for developing her team members with care and intentionality, a leadership style grounded in human dignity and generosity. These same values guide her work at the James Weldon Johnson Foundation, where she has played a pivotal role in safeguarding and advancing the legacy of one of America's great cultural figures.

As Executor of the James Weldon Johnson Literary Estate, Jill manages the copyrights and permissions for an extensive collection of Johnson’s writings and personal artifacts, housed at Yale University’s Beinecke Library and Emory University's Stuart A. Rose Manuscript, Archives, and Rare Book Library. Together, these collections encompass approximately 1,500 precious items that reflect the wide-ranging contributions of Johnson, from poetry and literature to civil rights advocacy and diplomacy.

Jill spoke about the profound influence James Weldon Johnson has had on American history, a Renaissance man whose work continues to resonate today. One of Johnson’s most enduring contributions is “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” a popular name for Johnson’s “National Hymn.” Written in 1899 by James Weldon Johnson (lyrics) and his brother J. Rosamond Johnson (music), the piece was first performed in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 12, 1900, as a tribute to President Abraham Lincoln.

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" has become a powerful anthem of unity and resilience, embodying the ongoing American pursuit of justice, life, liberty, and happiness. It holds a place of profound cultural and historical significance. Johnson was also a celebrated poet, novelist, lyricist, educator, lawyer, and civil rights leader. His visionary work helped shape the Harlem Renaissance and inspired generations of artists and activists.

Through her stewardship, Jill ensures that Johnson’s intellectual and cultural contributions remain accessible, protected, and alive for future generations. She shared how managing his estate is a form of service, a way of honoring and expanding his legacy in a modern context.

One of the Foundation’s flagship initiatives, the James Weldon Johnson Fellowship in the Arts, has supported 32 emerging artists through residency opportunities in partnership with Bard College at Simon’s Rock. These fellowships provide artists with the time, space, and resources to create, echoing Johnson’s own belief in the transformative power of the arts to elevate society.

Jill’s leadership of the Foundation reflects a broader philosophy: that the arts, empathy, and service are essential pillars of a thriving, equitable society. Her personal dedication to creating opportunities for artists ensures that James Weldon Johnson’s legacy is not static but evolving, inspiring new generations to contribute to the cultural fabric of America.

Throughout the conversation, Jill reflected on the leadership lessons that have shaped her, from early mentors who modeled compassionate leadership, to pivotal moments in her career when she chose integrity over expediency. She spoke of leadership as an act of generosity: building others up, advocating for their growth, and holding space for creativity and human flourishing.

This ethos mirrors the Foundation’s mission: to uplift, inspire, and create pathways for voices that carry forward James Weldon Johnson’s spirit of excellence and advocacy.

To listen to the full conversation with Jill Rosenberg Jones, visit Catching North Stars or tune in on Acast. This is Episode 18: Service Leadership and a Calling to Stewardship.