A Grand Rapids, MI, native, Jordoun Eatman’s path to community advocacy work was paved with a combination of practical knowledge and inspiration. His parents taught him that if you start with the basics, you can find the solution to anything, and to always help those in need with the expectation of nothing in return! These lessons have served Jordoun well in his career and with community.
Jordoun Eatman is the Vice President of Strategy, Engagement & Inclusion at Experience Grand Rapids, a Convention and Visitors Bureau. In this role, Jordoun is tasked to lead the strategy, design and implementation of ongoing and future initiatives that support the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as workforce development initiatives focused on ensuring that the local tourism industry is reflective of the populations it serves.
Prior to Experience Grand Rapids, Jordoun worked at the City of Grand Rapids for 7 years, were he served as a Housing Analyst/Administrative Analyst, and then quickly promoted to the role of Lead Neighborhood Connector/Project Manager.
Currently Jordoun serves on the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, the second largest school district in West Michigan. Jordoun’s passion is connecting and building sustainable relationships with the community through policy development, innovation, integrity and transparency. Samantha Power’s says it best, “All advocacy is, at its core, an exercise in empathy.” Jordoun believes that when empathy is at the table, it allows us all to connect and understand others, to really hear with intent, and to use one’s influence to shift narratives and conditions.
