Headshot of a Black woman in a blazer

Javania Polenska

Javania Polenska

Seattle Housing Authority | WSOS Foundation Board Member

Javania Cross Polenska is a dedicated leader with a rich background in education, nonprofit leadership, and public-private partnerships. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she earned her bachelor’s degree in communications and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. Her career spans roles in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Seattle, focusing on establishing equity-focused policies, building strong teams, and maximizing community impact. Notably, she served as the Deputy Director of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, a public-private partnership that connects students with higher education opportunities in STEM fields. In December 2024, Javania was appointed as Co-Deputy Executive Director of the Seattle Housing Authority, where she aims to expand the agency’s reach while fostering collaboration and equity-focused solutions.

LinkedIn: Javania Polenska | LinkedIn