Jessica Perez
2025-2026 University of Chicago Scholar
Washington, DC
Manager, Partnerships & Community Impact, Results for America
Bringing community voices into government processes and decision-making to drive equitable, community-led solutions
Jessica Perez is Manager of Partnerships and Community Impact at Results for America, a nonprofit helping local, state, and federal government leaders deliver more effective results for communities across America. Jessica develops programs, partnerships, and data-driven strategies that center community members' voices in local government processes, elevating their influence on issues most affecting them. Building on her current work and her 11 years of experience in social policy in Washington, DC, Jessica is developing a technical assistance training program for local governments to better incorporate communities in their decision-making processes. Through the Scholars program, Jessica aims to explore more effective ways to engage local governments around this training program and to refine her framework for designing community-centered policies. In the long term, she hopes to see more community members see clearer paths to leadership roles in local government.
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More About the Scholars Program
More About the Scholars Program
The Obama Foundation Scholars program gives rising leaders from around the world who are already making a difference in their communities the opportunity to take their work to the next level.
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