Jesse is a Virginia native and graduated from Berea College, where he studied political science. Before coming to Sanford, Jesse worked as an AmeriCorps member and Civic Engagement Project Leader for City Year, an American education nonprofit organization. At City Year, Jesse was regularly in elementary schools, aiding classroom instruction and developing students’ math and literacy skills through learning activities. At Sanford, Jesse aims to pursue policy research and opportunities related to technological innovation and technology’s growing presence in other industries nationwide. In addition to his studies and career aspirations, Jesse’s hobbies include biking, jogging, cooking, collecting comic books, and playing video games.