Born and raised in Detroit, Brenda Jegede fondly refers to herself as an Eastsider. To some that means that she’s tough and street smart; to others, she is resilient fighter. Brenda rarely initiates friendship. Yet, once you win her over, you gain a loyal friend for life. Most would describe Brenda as reserved, calm and cool; but you must see her during an adventure when she suddenly burst with excitement.
Give Brenda a project to work on or an event to plan and she is in her element. Brenda has worked in HIV, infant mortality and injury prevention within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for more than fifteen years. Brenda currently serves as the manager of the Office of Equity and Minority Health. Her office works to improve health outcomes for Michigan residents, with a persistent focus on populations of color.
Brenda and her spouse own a MEEMIC Insurance Agency in West Bloomfield, MI. Prior to working for a decade as an owner and executive director of Sylvan Learning Centers, Brenda was a social worker in hospital emergency rooms and at a health clinic.
The Jegedes are tried-and true, blue Wolverines. Brenda, her husband and their daughter are all Michigan graduates. Brenda’s son is a senior in his undergraduate program at the University of Michigan. Brenda has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Master’s Degree in Public Health and Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
Brenda works hard and when it is time for vacation, it’s “See ya!” After sending her children around the globe, now Brenda’s got “next”. Brenda and her husband of 24 years are LOVING their empty nest life and they LOVE to travel! Brenda cherishes memories of exploring Venice, St. Lucia, Cancun, Belize, London, Paris, Rome and Nigeria, and becoming one with the ocean on her first seven-day cruise.
What makes Brenda happiest is her relationship with God and the peace and strength He gives her. She knows that her prayers resulted in her finding her soul mate and husband; helped her raise the best daughter and son; and give her the overall ability to function as an independent woman, entrepreneur, daughter, sister, aunt, business partner, servant and friend.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.“
— Hellen Keller