Jinelle Hooker is the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships & Fund Development for Hartford Public Schools, where she leads cross-sector collaboration, resource development, and the alignment of partnerships to district priorities that advance student success and equity. With a deep-rooted commitment to youth, families, and community, Jinelle has over 20 years of experience in Youth Development, career development, non-profit leadership, education, and system-level change. 

Prior to her current role, she served as the district’s Community Schools Manager, where she strengthened the community school model by integrating wraparound services, building school-based partnerships, and supporting family engagement across Hartford Schools. Before joining Hartford Public Schools, Jinelle served as the Assistant Executive Director of The Queen Ann Nzinga Center, which is a premier non-profit organization serving children and youth in the greater New Britain, Bristol , and Plainville. She focused on implementing processes and a streamline approach to the implementation of programming for the organization for 2 years. Jinelle also served as Director of Programs for Our Piece of the Pie (OPP), a leading youth development organization in Connecticut. There, she spearheaded the expansion of OPP’s services into Eastern Connecticut, overseeing a team of 27 staff and delivering programs in 45 towns in Eastern and Central Connecticut – enhancing opportunities for youth through education, workforce readiness, and personal development.  

Jinelle is recognized for her strategic leadership, ability to scale impact, and collaborative approach to building sustainable partnerships that bridge schools, communities, and resources to ensure all young people thrive.