Janean "Jai" Watkins

Janean “Jai” Watkins is a multidisciplinary creative, writer, journalist, and communications and technology professional whose work spans storytelling, publishing, visual media, digital strategy, and community engagement. Over more than two decades, she has built platforms for stories and ideas—serving as the first Black Editor-in-Chief of Northeastern Illinois University’s student newspaper, working in independent journalism, founding the award-winning .:SEEDS:. Literary Arts Journal, and later launching Urban Matrix Creative Solutions, where she produced publications, digital projects, and multimedia storytelling.

Today, Janean serves as Communications & Technology Manager for Chicago Volunteer Doulas while building the next chapter of her creative work through InkNectar Collective. Rooted in creativity, connection, and mental wellness, InkNectar will begin with accessible community technology workshops and grow into collaborative creative programming with artists, makers, and storytellers. Her larger vision, InkNectar Sanctuary, is an emerging creative residency and community space where people can make, learn, restore, experiment, and bring new ideas to life.