Director of Community Engagement
Jessica was born in Salt Lake City, UT but was raised in Sparks, NV which she is proud to still call home. Being a first generation American on her mother’s side, Jessica was raised to understand the importance of education and recognized the many sacrifices her mother made in providing opportunities to learn and grow. Many of her experiences came from her mother advocating for her and supporting her in her interests. At times this looked like being a six-year-old fiddle player in a bluegrass band, living abroad and going to school in Bolivia to learn Spanish through immersion at 12, trying a multitude of sports (eventually landing on soccer as the primary), taking voice and piano lessons, and even competing in pageants. She understands what the power of support and belief can look like in helping an individual recognize their potential.
In her time at Davidson, Jessica served as Family Consultant and also held other roles such as the Alumni Coordinator, Ambassador Advisor, Wednesday Post Editor and the University of Nevada – Human Development and Family Studies Intern Supervisor. For some time, she trained new Family Consultants and eventually stepped into the role of Assistant Director of the Young Scholars Program.
Jessica has found that in her time with the Davidson Institute she enjoys connecting people together and to resources. In her position as Director of Community Engagement, she works to create opportunities for Davidson families so they can access experts, services and each other so that they are not navigating their path on profound giftedness alone.
Outside of the Institute, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and building upon her urban homestead.