Jared Grandy

Research & Innovation Consultant

Jared

Truth Seeker. Dream Catcher. Grio. Curator of Imaginations.

What do you do?

I create safe spaces where people feel free to share their truth. I am extremely open minded and willing to explore all possibilities. I entertain and respect the ideas, emotions and perspectives of all persons. I receive all expressions of thought pensively and give them due consideration. I invite people to share things they otherwise would not and liberate them to be themselves. In group settings, I shield participants from the ridicule of others. I try to clarify unclear ideas and summarize truth hidden in bundles of information. I am a facilitator of conversation and purveyor of respect.   

What's your background?

I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio in under-resourced, lower socioeconomic neighborhoods.
After graduating highschool, I discovered a love for education at a local community college. I went on to study sociology and criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati. I eventually earned a scholarship to Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Some of my earliest memories include sitting at the kitchen table with my mother discussing the omnipotence of God and the possibilities of the universe. As I grew older we discussed politics and world events, we would debate about morality, spirituality, religion and more. I learned the art of having difficult conversations while keeping heated, unproductive emotions at bay. This skill came in handy as I had to navigate controversial conversations around politics, race and class as one of two Black students in a class of 127 students in law school. I went on to become the Community-Relations Coordinator for the City of Dayton. There I facilitated thousands of conversations during times and moments of national turmoil. I have become exceptionally skilled at creating safe spaces for discussion and allowing people to express their personal truths.

Favorite book, quote or song?

The culinary arts is one of my favorite expressions of creativity. It is the perfect culmination of technique, interpretation, precision, chemistry, passion, intuition and culture. A well prepared dish is one of the few things that pleasantly engages all five senses at once. The first bite is an instantaneous and fleeting moment of euphoria. You keep returning to the plate until the dish is finished and when you are done you are completely satisfied but yet wanting more. 

I enjoy cooking, but consider myself an amateur cook.

Something you’ve written or found inspiring lately?

Lately, I have been inspired by the Netflix docuseries “High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America.” It is a compelling look back at African-American culture and history and draws a throughline to present day America through food.