Sierra College Foundation Welcomes Jennesa Datema as Development Director

Sierra College Alumna and Accomplished Non-Profit Executive Returns to Placer County

Sierra College Foundation (SCF) is excited to announce that Jennesa Datema, a Sierra College alumna, has returned to the Rocklin campus in a new role as Development Director. Datema possesses nearly 20 years of experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership and strategic partnerships. She will support SCF fundraising initiatives, cultivate donor relationships and develop strategies to expand philanthropic support.

“We are very excited to have Jennesa join the SCF team,” said Sonbol Aliabadi, Executive Director of the Sierra College Foundation. “SCF is at a pivotal point in its 50-year history and Jennesa’s experience will help ensure we are prepared to embrace the innumerable opportunities we have before us to support our Sierra College students.”

Datema began her non-profit career at the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and has since spanned development roles in conservation, healthcare community engagement, program management and donor relations. She attended Lincoln High School, Sierra College and California State University, Sacramento.

“Returning to Placer County is incredibly exciting to me,” said Datema. “While I grew up here, and began my career in the region, much of my career was spent in Oregon. I am thrilled to be home and know the experience I bring, and the enthusiasm that I have for Sierra College as an alumna, will bode well for supporting the SCF mission and our students.”

In academic year 2023-24, Sierra College Foundation raised nearly $3 million for students through individual donations, corporate funding, grants and events, such as the Taste of Excellence. SCF was founded in 1973 and raises money to support students, college programs, and facilities.

SCF is independently audited and governed by a volunteer Board of Directors, most of whom live and work in the communities served by the Sierra Joint Community College District of Placer, Nevada, and parts of Sacramento and El Dorado Counties. For more information about Sierra College Foundation and how to give or volunteer, visit: https://www.sierracollege.edu/give.