Jessica Joy
Jess (she/her/hers) is a builder, weaver and storyteller. She skillfully balances centering people in her work while remaining focused on action and outcomes.
Jess herself is a blend of passion, knowledge and hands-on experience. A social worker at heart and a former teacher and school principal, Jess has devoted her career to social change and development towards a truly equitable and inclusive society. She holds degrees from Xavier University in Social Work, Gender and Diversity Studies, and English. She also earned her Master’s in Education during her decade working in schools in Brooklyn, New York.
As a dynamic strategist, Jess guides leaders in refining their vision of how to create more equitable and inclusive workspaces. Her critical analysis, keen attention to detail and inclusive communication practices provide leaders with clear guidance about how to operationalize their vision and transform their organizations.
For Jess, affecting change means engaging everyone. As a seasoned facilitator, she is adept at fostering thought-provoking conversations around race, identity, and power in multiracial settings. She also is uniquely talented in facilitating white learning spaces around those same topics which has been instrumental in advancing the growth of both individuals and organizations. Jess is passionate about supporting other white people in developing racial self-awareness and in creating and honoring commitments to equitable practices and inclusive leadership.
A self-identified "recovering perfectionist," Jess has experienced firsthand how breaking away from perfectionism invites us to take risks, offer radical compassion to others, and tap into the full potential of our imagination. This perspective allows Jess to create environments where people feel safe to learn, make mistakes, and grow.
Outside of her professional life, Jess is an avid traveler and a lover of game nights. She finds joy in playing basketball, brunching with friends, and spending time in nature, especially near water.