From freelance writer to organizational fundraiser to executive Director of Bernie’s Book Bank, everything Jenna Renno has accomplished in her career has been guided by an intrinsic desire to give back to the communities she loves.
Now, as Bernie’s Book Bank just opened its first location in the Milwaukee area, we wanted to know more about Jenna and the work she’s doing to empower children’s literacy by providing free books to students.
What is your background (born here or a transplant – if so, from where)?
I grew up in Mequon, went to college in Iowa City, IA, lived in Sevilla, Spain, and then moved to Chicago after graduation. I came right back to Milwaukee and got involved in nonprofit work.
Any stories from your youth that define your path – how’d you get to where you are now? Early inspirations, challenges, etc?
I won an essay contest in 7th grade that made me realize that I might actually be a good writer! My time abroad in Spain was really transformational. I have learned something from every opportunity I’ve had, good or bad. I love to make connections and hear other people’s stories. I think that curiosity and openness has allowed me to always enjoy the work that I do.
Where did you study (if you did higher education)?
University of Iowa, then 1.5 post-grad work at Marquette.
What do you do for work now (where you work, title, job responsibilities, etc)?
Executive Director, Bernie’s Book Bank. I do a lot of relationship building, fundraising, writing, advise a stellar Advisory Board, and truly whatever else is required to get books into the hands of children.
Can you talk a little bit about your career journey? How’d you get to where you are now?
I had been freelance writing for about five years before I started with Bernie’s Book Bank in 2024. I did a lot of magazine writing for MKE Lifestyle, Milwaukee, and a few others.
Then I had the chance to write two books – “100 Things to Do in Milwaukee Before you Die” and “Milwaukee Scavenger.” That was so much fun and something I’d always wanted to do, but I missed being involved in the community.
Prior to that, I’ve had several different positions in fundraising at the MSO, Milwaukee Film, Radio Milwaukee, Notre Dame Schools, and Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Some of my favorite jobs have been artistic residencies at the Pfister Hotel and the Milwaukee Athletic Club. I consider myself a journalist at heart.
Can you talk more about your community involvement or volunteer experience?
Kid’s Impact Community, Next Door Foundation Reader, Meta House Project Horizon Campaign Cabinet, Radio Milwaukee Volunteer, Notre Dame Schools Advancement Committee.
What are some ways you have impacted the community in your line of work?
Provided nearly 200,000 free books to children in our community who need them most (and we’re just getting started!). We also provide a high-impact volunteer experience for people of all ages and abilities (also more of that to come with the addition of a local facility in 2026!)
What do you like about living in Milwaukee?
The people, the lake, the accessibility, the quirkiness
What do you want to see for Milwaukee’s future?
Less segregation! Much higher literacy rates for students and better health equity.
Anything else we should know about you, your job, community involvement, or life in general?
I am co-owner of Two Birds Event Group (Ivy House, Milwaukee Airwaves, The Starling etc.) I have two kids who I adore and challenge me every day – Cash (9) and Ruby (7) and a dog Biscuit. Ramsey and I have been married for 12 years, and we live in Whitefish Bay. Coincidentally, we were both working as DJs when we met 🙂