Jean Ann Durades, age 89, from Minneapolis, MN., says that in early adulthood, she didn’t imagine what her life would be like. In retrospect, teaching is the thread throughout her career as a schoolteacher, social worker, and for 27 years, as a trainer and field consultant with the YMCA. In 1970, Jean Ann was the first African American woman to become a field consultant with the YMCA; in 2019, she was inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame. Jean Ann has long been involved in cultural, civic and change-making activities. She is a facilitator and community member with Restorative Justice Community Action and a mentor to young people. As a tour guide with the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Jean Ann has helped to expand representation of African American artists and other artists of color. She has collected art for over 60 years and enjoyed a passion for art, dance, music and theatre. Also, for the past 60 years, Jean Ann has pursued downhill skiing, a passion that has taken her to every continent except Antarctica.

I respect that everyone looks at the world through their own lens. - Jean Ann Durades

Contact: duradesja@gmail.com