In the process, Judith Kent, wife of JPMorgan CEO, Jamie Dimon has emerged as one of the nation’s top philanthropists. She is a relentless champion for her community. Born in 1956 in Bethesda, Maryland, Barbara was raised during the height of the civil rights movement in a household that instilled her desire to serve. Her father Philip was president of Kent Companies. This small, Rockville Maryland-based firm focuses primarily on insurance and real estate.
Kent’s academic journey first took her to Tulane University, where she received her undergraduate degree. She went on to get a master’s degree in organizational psychology from the Catholic University of America. This remarkable feat laid the foundation for her later career in administration and philanthropy.
Meeting Jamie Dimon
Judith Kent’s fortunes intersected with those of future Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s at Harvard Business School, where they both were starting to lay the foundation for their professional success. Their relationship flourished, and they were married in 1983. Our partnership has been profoundly personal. On one hand, it’s been very unprofessional, in that both have lacked professionalism for dedicating their lives to uplifting their community.
After graduation, Kent found a job as a management trainee in New York with Shearson/American Express. This position developed her commitment to and respect for the profession of finance and management. Her passions didn’t stop there—outside the corporate world, she sought to make a social impact.
Philanthropic Contributions
In 2000, Judith Kent co-founded the Campaign to Expand Community Schools in Chicago, demonstrating her strong commitment to educational reform. Together, this initiative contributed to increasing students’ access to quality, culturally relevant education for children in historically underserved communities.
She’s a tireless advocate for better education and educational opportunity. Her long time personal commitment with the Children’s Aid Society reflected her passion for bettering inner-city schools. Kent is deeply involved in the grassroots organization South Bronx Rising Together. This extraordinary group addresses a range of social determinants impacting their South Bronx community.
In addition, she stewards the James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation, started in 1997. The education, health, and child and youth servicing sectors are the primary focal points of the foundation’s efforts. Under her leadership it has grown into a powerhouse funder, supporting complex strategies that benefit low-income people and people of color.
“There is always a way when you know what you’re doing is right.” – Judith Kent
Family Life and Legacy
Judith Kent and Jamie Dimon have three daughters: Julia, Laura, and Kara Leigh. Through their love, the couple has created a family dedicated to civic engagement and advocacy. Now as grandparents to seven grandchildren, they keep passing down the values of family and community service.
As Jamie Dimon has frequently praised, his wife has been central to his and their family’s establishment. He had previously stated that his pursuit of a music career greatly affected their family life.
“I tell people, had I run and won, when I was walking into that White House I’d be waving goodbye to my family for four years,” – Jamie Dimon.
Reflecting on their shared journey, he added humorously,
“I’m not sure my wife would have gone with me there.” – Jamie Dimon.