Jesse Dekens

First Nations supporter Jesse Dekens

For Jesse Dekens, the community has always been the heart of his story. Now a husband of 10 years and father to a lively one-and-a-half year old son, Jesse finds himself seeing the world through new eyes, watching his child take his first steps, grow, and begin to discover his place in the world. Parenthood has only deepened Jesse’s understanding of what it means to belong, to feel supported, and to be part of something larger than oneself.   

These changes have inspired Jesse to reflect deeply on the role of community, both in his own upbringing and in the legacy he hopes to pass to his son. This reflection has naturally led to his work and passions beyond the home. He recognizes that community is about the tapestry of relationships, traditions, and values that bind people together across generations.  

Professionally, Jesse works in real estate finance, helping others restore and resell homes, a career that underscores his commitment to fostering connection. Outside of work, he’s spent 16 years playing golf off and on, and is a casual cyclist who enjoys being in nature, finding solace and camaraderie in shared outdoor activities.   

He grew up in Walnut Creek, California, a place that he says has changed dramatically since his childhood. What he remembers most is the freedom of suburban life: heading to the park with friends after school, playing sports until dusk, and feeling wrapped in a family-centered community. This longing to recreate those childhood joys for his son is intertwined with the influence of his own family, particularly his mother.  

Diane Blaser, Jesse Dekens, Channa Bliner-Smith, Melissa Landon, and Marsha Albright, left to right, learning more about plants on the 2026 Salish Sojourn Donor Tour.

A Positive Influence  

Jesse’s mother, Kathy Carnevale, has been the defining influence on his philanthropic journey. Before retiring from Chevron, Kathy became deeply involved in Native advocacy and philanthropy, often participating in First Nations’ Donor Tours, unique opportunities for visiting community partners and seeing the hard work they do up-close. Over the past decade, Jesse watched his mother’s passion grow; her stories, experiences, and reflections became woven into their family’s shared understanding of Native issues and the importance of giving back.  

Kathy’s commitment helped build relationships and connections with First Nations. Witnessing her dedication, Jesse learned that meaningful impact is built on trust and long-term involvement. These lessons shaped his own approach to philanthropy and engagement.  

Building on this foundation, Jesse’s understanding of philanthropy continues to evolve as he encounters new perspectives and experiences. Seeing his mother’s commitment and later taking part in First Nations’ 2026 Salish Sojourn Donor Tour validated Jesse’s understanding of First Nations’ partnerships and just how deeply rooted these relationships are. For him, giving is a way to continue honoring the values his mother instilled in him: empathy, respect, and understanding of community. When asked what words he would use to describe First Nations, Jesse proclaims, “Rooted. Trusted. Widespread.”   

Anaya Echo-Hawk and Jesse Dekens enjoying the sea.

Learning Through Media, Education, and Experience  

Much of Jesse’s early awareness of Native issues came from his California education, where he first learned about the history and challenges Native communities tackle. In adulthood he began following Native-led media like Reservation Dogs and Blackstone, enjoying the honest portrayals of community strength, humor, and resilience. For Jesse, this exposure reinforced the importance of seeking authentic narratives and learning.  

His First Nations Donor Tour experience allowed him to witness firsthand what he had previously only read about and seen on screen. Visiting Pacific Northwest tribal communities expanded his understanding of what it means to be part of the community, one defined by generosity, shared responsibility, and a long-term vison. He saw how resources are redistributed for collective benefit, how decisions prioritize safety and well-being over short-term profit, and how tradition and innovation coexist.   

One experience that stuck with Jesse was learning about “Auntie Lee,” the Tokeland tsunami tower. The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe set a milestone in 2022, constructing the first tsunami tower of its kind in the United States. The tower was intentionally built to have the capacity for all surrounding people, tribal and non-tribal. It was a powerful reminder that the community should be expansive, inclusive, and deeply interconnected. Jesse carries these values into his daily life, where he actively shares what he has learned with others.  

Sharing the Story  

Jesse often finds himself explaining the mission of First Nations to coworkers and peers, highlighting the organization’s support for Native communities and why the work matters. He enjoys sharing how these relationships stretch back decades, grounded in trust and mutual respect.   

To stay engaged, Jesse follows First Nations on LinkedIn, subscribes to newsletters, stays active on social media, and keeps up with ongoing projects and stories. Sharing what he learns with colleagues and friends is his way of inspiring others to support Native-led initiatives and continue the cycle of learning and giving.  

Thank you to everyone for joining us in the Pacific Northwest.

A Donor Tour to Remember  

Jesse’s experience on the Donor Tour was rich with connection and discovery. He chatted about hummingbirds, spotted local species, and visited Makah Museum, where he explored traditional fishing tools, documentation, and artifacts. Each day offered new opportunities to learn and form meaningful relationships. Jesse says, “I wouldn’t change anything. As one of the younger participants on the trip, I enjoyed sharing community, common interests, and enthusiasm with the other participants. I found the tour to be amazing.”  

Perhaps the most memorable, he says, was the sense of being surrounded by like-minded people who made the experience even more meaningful. 

Passing Down the Value of Community  

As a father, Jesse hopes to instill in his son the importance of community. Philanthropy strengthens those bonds; it builds upon the values he grew up with and helps future generations inherit a world where connection and shared responsibility thrive.  

He believes that by modeling compassion and involvement, he can help his son grow into a person who understands the responsibility of giving and importance of belonging. 

His advice for young adults beginning their philanthropic journey is simple: start local. He learned that lesson by looking closely at what is around him and letting his curiosity guide him. Volunteer, ask questions, and seek out organizations whose missions resonate. From there, he says, your impact and your sense of connection will grow. Jesse shares, “Philanthropy is a way to expand community. It is a tool to build upon strengthening community, something I would like to pass on to my own son.”    

First Nations was grateful for the support of Jesse and his family, and to share the Donor Tour experience with him and others who help sustain the work. Through conversation and connection, First Nations finds space to celebrate diversity of knowledge, while honoring shared values that exist in every community.