About Sir Ivy Foundation
The Sir Ivy Foundation is dedicated to uplifting the Black community through impactful charitable initiatives. We are committed to providing a wide variety of resources, specifically focusing on mental health, pregnancy, early childhood development, and education. Our mission is to empower individuals and families by offering support and essential tools for growth. Together, we can foster a brighter future for the Black & Brown community and create lasting change.
We believe in the power of community, the strength of unity, and the impact of collective support in creating lasting change.
Our Mission
At Sir Ivy Foundation, our
mission is to empower
and inspire individuals
to reach their full potential,
to break barriers, and to
lead with excellence.
Our Story, Our Vision
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We envision a world where every Black individual has access to education, mentorship, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Jennifer and Ruben have known each other for most of their lives — their story began in high school. Jennifer, as Ruben would tell it, was smart (because she wore glasses) and always kind. Ruben, according to Jennifer, was cute — but incredibly quiet.
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Jennifer is a proud Chicago native, born and raised in the heart of Humboldt Park. Her early years were marked by profound loss and change: the death of her mother at age six, her maternal grandmother passing a year later, and her father being incarcerated for most of her life. These experiences meant Jennifer would start her young life, often times scared & alone.
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She was primarily raised by her paternal Cuban grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S. in late 1959 with nine children. From her grandmother who has since passed in April 2023, she learned resilience, culture, and how to make a way out of no way. Much of what Jennifer knows, she taught herself — through observation, curiosity, and determination. She’s resourceful, self-made, and deeply committed to sharing knowledge and empowering others to do the same.
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Jennifer is a reflection of the many people who have crossed her path and left an enduring mark on her journey. Their impact lives within her, shaping the woman she is today. Above all, she strives to be the best mother she can be to her beautiful son — the inspiration and namesake of the foundation — and a devoted partner to her incredible husband, whose unwavering love and support continue to ground and uplift her every day.
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Ruben is also a proud Chicago native, born and raised on the North Side — Uptown, to be exact. The second of seven children, Ruben was primarily raised by his grandmother, a phenomenal woman who left a lasting imprint on his heart and values. From her, he inherited compassion, humility, and a deep-rooted commitment to making sure his culture is both seen and heard.
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​Becoming an educator has been the most transformative experience of Ruben’s life. It has shaped how he sees the world — and how he shows up in it. As a person, he strives to lead with kindness, honesty, and empathy. As a man, he lives by the principles of loyalty, integrity, and strength. And as a father, he takes deep pride in his family — his loving wife and son — who are his greatest sources of inspiration. Everything he is, and everything he continues to grow into, he credits to them.
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​Through humble beginnings, putting themselves through college, and a shared commitment to personal growth, Ruben and Jennifer are stepping into this next chapter with purpose. Together, they are devoted to helping others discover and pursue their own version of greatness — with guidance, grace, and a deep belief in the power of community.
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As an integrated part of the black society, we are striving to making a difference.
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