Philanthropic strategy with heart
Storytelling with purpose
Philanthropic strategy with heart
Storytelling with purpose
Writer. Grantmaker. Storyteller. Collaborator.
I am a writer, telling stories for tv, stage, and other media. I am also a grantmaker, telling stories about change for a more kind and just world. You might imagine the lone writer, typing away into the night. Or the lone philanthropist, with one brilliant idea that changes the world. These are both myths. The alchemy of creativity – in writing and in philanthropy – requires collaboration. I may work well in isolation, but I learn most deeply through collaboration. Let’s tell stories together.
Hi, I’m Jessica
What I’ve learned in philanthropy
Philanthropy requires an analytic mind and a strong heart. My experiences at a major foundation, as a nonprofit executive director, and as an artist have taught me how to combine head and heart for a philanthropic approach that is thoughtful and grounded in core values of creativity, justice, and learning. Even when the work is challenging, I strive to strengthen relationships rather than burn bridges.
At the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, I created and led two participatory processes that shifted power toward community members. I learned that shifting power in a field built on hierarchy takes time, vulnerability, and a high tolerance for discomfort. It required all of me – the analyst, the strategist, and the storyteller. I’m looking for new partnerships that require this alchemy of head and heart.
My impacts:
- Developed and led Policy and Advocacy and Youth Strategies at a major foundation;
- Rated by 100+ grantees as having exceptional communication and relationship skills;
- Built and led funder coalitions in arts education and policy and advocacy;
- Commissioned major research on arts education policy, arts education practice, and arts workers in California.
Work with me
How can I support your philanthropy?
Many changemakers can envision the world they want to see, but struggle to build the strategic steps to get there. Many can create those steps but are missing an emotional core to drive their work. As a collaborative worker and a storyteller who understands philanthropy, I can help you identify the emotional core of the work you want to do, and build a philanthropic strategy around that core.
It’s not procrastination – it’s incubation!
Strategy requires time, thought, and evolution. I do much of my thinking through writing – autobiographical, editorial and sometimes comedic and fantastical.
Join my newsletter and I’ll send you periodic musings on the intersection of art and culture, education and the nature of work. I’ll also share performances and workshop opportunities as they arise.
On Being an Easy Grader
My mom is an easy grader. She started as an early childhood educator with a pedagogy that centered kindness. About twenty years ago, she began teaching at the college level, preparing prospective teachers for a career working with young children. Every year, she would...
How to Learn about my writing
Custom Curated Workshops
Along with my partner, Mark Chung, we can custom create a learning experience for your team that brings together the values of creativity, justice and learning to bear in a way that was transformative for educators and grantmakers.
My core values are creativity, justice, and learning.
My work as a grantmaker, educator, advocate, performer and writer live at the intersection of arts and culture, education, and the nature of work. If these values and interests resonate with you, then let’s talk. I can help you build a philanthropic strategy fueled by heart and grounded in action. And I can help you tell the story that ties it all together.