Team
The Team
Jamiel Robinson – Founder & CEO
Jamiel Robinson is the Founder & CEO of Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses (GRABB). GRABB is an Economic Development enterprise that focuses on fostering an economy that supports the revitalization of the Black community and expands opportunities for Black entrepreneurs in the Metro Grand Rapids area by promoting economic empowerment and equity.
To date Robinson has been recognized as a leader in West Michigan on economic equity and development with feature articles in the Crain’s Detroit, The Guardian, Grand Rapids Business Journal, Grand Rapids Press and Grand Rapids Magazine. Robinson was named by the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce as one of 30 extraordinary leaders over the past 30 years, Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 under Forty Business leaders and highlighted as one of the 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.
Jennifer Burns – Administrative Coordinator
Jennifer Burns is the Administrative Coordinator for GRABB. Jennifer has always been a person of service and aspires to inspire others to do the same. She truly believes it takes a village and each one teaches one is a true phrase to live by. Born and raised in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jennifer takes pride in her mixed cultural background being that she is Afro-Latina. Jennifer attended GRPS Creston High School (Go Polar Bears!), a previously local Grand Rapids Public School and education in Communication, Business Administration and Youth development from Grand Rapids Community College.
Jennifer is a true Grand Rapidian taking pride in the growth and equality of Black businesses in the Grand Rapids area. GRABB Local Inc’s mission is personal to her as the Granddaughter of a Minority-owned contractor in West Michigan. She has seen first hand the systemic disadvantages that BIPOC are up against. Jennifer hopes to gain a deeper connection to the community she serves and use her position to continuously educate Black entrepreneurs in the Greater Grand Rapids area.
Prior to joining GRABB Local Inc, Jennifer’s work experience was in Youth development & Community Outreach spending more than five years in that field. Jennifer’s hobbies are learning to sew, attending sporting events/concerts, spending time with her family and friends. All while growing her own local business “Revel Lifestyle Thriftique”.
