Jessie Ray serves as the Director of National Programs at Every Mother’s Advocate (ĒMA), overseeing the growth and development of the organization’s Affiliate Partner Network. With more than 15 years of experience, Jessie brings a unique blend of strategic insight, relational depth, and systems-level vision to her role, working to expand ĒMA’s reach while preserving the integrity and intimacy of its mission.
Jessie’s professional experience spans direct service, cross-agency collaboration, and community program development. She served as a founding member of the Promise Neighborhoods Initiative in Charlottesville, VA, developing a coordinated investment of services in the city’s oldest public housing neighborhood. She also co-led the development of the Kindergarten Readiness Collaborative upon her return to Vero Beach, FL. These experiences cemented Jessie’s commitment to addressing the root causes of inequality and centering the voice of those affected in program design & service delivery.
At ĒMA, Jessie sees the opportunity to co-create stability for families with moms at the center of the action. Working in ways that are preventative and redemptive, she is excited about the potential to equip and empower mom to be a source of strength and leadership for her own family.
Before joining ĒMA, one of the most meaningful chapters of her professional journey involved mobilizing the church to engage relationally with vulnerable families. Deeply shaped by her own family’s experience of hosting children in times of parental crisis, Jessie feels strongly that everyone should take the time to serve in relational, not just transactional ways, with those facing hardship and isolation. “It deepened our understanding of love in action—it was personal, sacred, and transformational.”
When she’s not building partnerships or shaping program strategy, Jessie finds joy in the simple and the soulful, hiking outdoors, enjoying live music, and hosting game nights with her family.
Three words to describe Jessie? Intentional. Caring. Wholehearted.
Favorite coffee order: Iced dirty chai latte
Favorite self-care ritual: Time outdoors, or at least attending a gym class!
Quote she’s living by right now: “Trust in the slow work of God.”
