Members of the northern Natal tribes of South Africa greet one another daily by saying “Sawubona”, which literally means: “I see you.” The response is “Sikhona” which means: “I am here”. This exchange is important, for it denotes that ‘until you ‘see’ me, I do not exist; and when you ‘see’ me, you bring me into existence.
At an early age Jenny and Alan Dennis were inspired by the life,
work and witness of former president Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
Dr. Martin Luther King’s example further encouraged them to become active in the anti-apartheid movement in their native South Africa. In the frontline of the protests, Alan became an intermediary between police and demonstrators, while Jenny used her influence as an educator, to empower both students and colleagues, to work toward restorative justice and reconciling peace. This led them to North America where they have functioned as leaders and conciliators within the community. Together and individually they have facilitated numerous workshops, retreats and motivational conferences, on issues of peace, reconciliation, justice and relationship building in South Africa, Singapore, Canada, England, Botswana, Tanzania, the Republic of Georgia, Italy, and numerous states in the US.
Opportunities for guided reflection within a group or for individuals.
Christmas 2021 O Come let us adore Him….Christ the Lord! “You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger” Luke 2: 12b Jenny and our family, join me in wishing you a joyous and spirit filled Christmas. My prayer for you is the prayer we have for…..
Read MoreJust a few of the amazing Mentors for the WINGS Program, Rutgers University, NJ Six years ago, I joined a wonderful group of senior colleagues as a mentor to young women. WINGS (Women Investing in and Guiding Students) is a Wells Fargo sponsored program and is a very successful college-to-career program at Rutgers University in…..
Read MoreAlan and his wife Jenny have also done sterling work in the area of marriage enrichment. They have been the national clergy couple for Marriage Encounter South Africa... have facilitated numerous weekends for married couples... Alan has many different gifts and much varied experience to offer.
Jenny Dennis brings valuable insight to her leadership of the WINGS Mentoring program for Rutgers students. This program connects accomplished business women with undergraduate women to help them make a successful transition from college to careers. Jenny's commitment to supporting women's advancement and her enthusiasm for learning make WINGS an inspiring - and fun - program for our students and their mentors. We are grateful for her contributions.
Jenny is a former colleague, beloved friend and one of the best mentors I know. She is a compassionate and kind woman with a beautiful sense of humor that puts everyone at ease. Her own life experiences, successes, and disappointments are the foundation of the wisdom she generously shares with others. To Jenny, everyone is relevant and loved by God and she gently guides them to conquer their fears and discover their gifts, power and voice.
I had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Dennis for a number of years coordinating a mentoring program (WINGs) that partners with Rutgers University. Jenny has a passion for paying it forward to women starting a career or looking to advance their careers. She is a great communicator and shares her knowledge with enthusiasm and great wit. Her openness and caring spirit makes you feel a part of the group, no matter how small or large. Jenny has a lot of experience and my interactions with her have been invaluable. Thank you Jenny, for being a great friend and colleague!
Unfortunately, I’ve only known Jenny for the last decade or so...took me a while to find her, but hopefully the first of many decades more that we’ll keep in touch! While Jenny and I worked together at Wells Fargo for the last 10 years, she was so much more than a professional colleague. Her worldly experiences, listening skills and unusual “grace under pressure,” made her a wonderful sounding board and advisor when I faced challenging situations. Having her as a resource, I often suggested to Jenny’s peers, “have you shared that with Jenny? She has a great perspective on the emotions and motivations involved with these leaders.” It was less threatening to hear the message from a peer and Jenny would ensure their self-esteem was not only intact, but enhanced!
I have known Alan Dennis as a priest, counselor, speaker and friend, and in each of these roles he stands out among the best. Alan's spirituality and counsel has served as an invaluable guide through many important occasions and decisions in our lives. His wisdom shines through his oratory from the pulpit, and the diversity of his life experience informs his counsel. I rely upon him and trust him not only for guidance but for the inspiration I feel when I hear him speak publicly. I recommend him without reservation.