Jilian Palmer

Community Craft Agent

Jilian is a native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She chose Duke Divinity School because it provides a theological foundation and space for her to explore the interplay between faith and societal issues. She is expanding her knowledge and passions through certificates in Theology, Medicine, and Culture and Black Church Studies, envisioning a future where her faith informs and enriches her understanding of healthcare, politics, and racial dynamics.

Jilian’s commitment to community engagement and her focus on the hands-on, practical role of the church drew her to the Thriving Communities Fellowship and the Ormond Center. She believes that it is paramount that the church be a catalyst for positive change in the communities that they share, and she is delighted to be contributing to this transformative process.

After graduation from Duke Divinity School, Jilian is open to the myriad of crossroads for her journey. She is uncertain about the next professional steps, but she is steadfast in her desire to continue to walk alongside churches and organizations committed to effective community engagement. Her goal is to channel her education and experiences into meaningful initiatives that contribute to the well-being of diverse communities.

In her free time, Jilian finds joy and balance in a range of hobbies, including gliding through life on rollerblades, finding laughter in the world of improv comedy, and getting lost in the pages of psychological thrillers.