Tenille Jones Kaus, Esq. ’98: Creating Positive Change Through Advocacy

Passionate about social justice issues from a young age, Tenille Jones Kaus ’98 had her life-long commitment to issues important to her ignited during her time at Beaumont where she served as Vice President of STOP (Students Together Opposing Prejudice). These early experiences enabled her to delve into diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, setting the stage for her future.

After graduating from Beaumont, Tenille pursued an undergraduate degree in social work at The University of Pittsburgh and went on to earn her law degree from The University of Akron. Throughout her academic journey, Tenille sought out organizations and opportunities that aligned with her values, combining her legal skills with her dedication to social justice.

Tenille’s career has been marked by a wide range of positions in the public sector, all of which have allowed her to advocate for equal opportunities. She has always believed that those who are given opportunities to succeed must, in turn, provide opportunities for others. “Beaumont played an instrumental role in my success and helped shape my values,” she reflects. “Being of service to others is one of my personal core values.” Tenille recently concluded her tenure at The Legal Aid Society and accepted a position on the Shaker Heights City Council.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Tenille’s career is helping people every day in ways that align with what she values. A recent example of this comes from her service on The Board of Trustees for the Shaker Heights Public Library. With the support of her fellow board members and staff, the library passed a Safe Leave Policy, providing paid time off for employees experiencing violence, such as domestic violence. This initiative holds personal significance for Tenille, as she lost her mother at a young age due to domestic violence. Tenille’s journey at Beaumont began in the tenth grade, where she was initially placed in Honors Biology with Ms. Gretchen Santos. Doubting her abilities, Tenille approached Ms. Santos to explain that she was in the wrong class. Ms. Santos reassured her that she would do fine, and Tenille did more than fine; she thrived, continuing with honors, AP, and college-level classes throughout her time at Beaumont. “I will never forget the power of Beaumont believing in me, even when I did not believe in myself,” she recalls.

Reflecting on her time at Beaumont, Tenille credits the school with shaping her into the woman she is today. “Beaumont not only academically prepared me for college and law school, but it also prepared me for life,” she says. She specifically recalls Sister Cheryl Mentkowski, who pushed and encouraged her in equal measure. “It was in Sister Cheryl’s class that I learned I am smart enough and capable enough to do anything I want in life.”

Tenille was a speaker at this year’s Career Day at Beaumont and has this advice for current students and soon-to-be graduates: “Always remember where you came from and give back. None of us get to where we are without help. When you can help, do so. It will enhance your life more than you know!”

The sisterhood Tenille formed at Beaumont continues to be a source of inspiration and support. Thanks to social media, she keeps up with many of her Beaumont sisters, drawing inspiration from their careers and personal achievements. Her closest friend from Beaumont, Sommer Edwards-Fountain ’98, is a constant presence in her life. They travel together and spend summer days by the pool, with Sommer also serving as the godmother to Tenille's daughter, Eleanor. “I am blessed by the lifelong friendships and connections I made at Beaumont,” Tenille shares. Tenille embodies the values of service and advocacy that Beaumont instills in its students, demonstrating through her career and personal life the profound impact of a Beaumont education.