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Director of Marketing & Development, Eastern Illinois Foodbank

B.A., Class of 2004

Theatre & Communication Arts, Marketing minor

Originally from Buffalo, NY, Jessica attended Mount Mercy Academy and started at Gannon in 2001. Jessica was involved in a variety of activities, including the Schuster Theatre, WERG, Alternative Spring Break and the Activities Programming Board.

After graduation, Jessica served one term in AmeriCorps VISTA, a national service program intended to help non-profits build their capacity. During that time, she worked at the Center for Economic Progress in Chicago and had the opportunity to work at the Chicago Humanities Festival and the Harris Theatre for Music and Dance. Jessica also worked for two seasons at the Chicago Improv Fesitval, stage managing at The Second City for an event with David Shepard, founder of the Compass Players.

After a few years in Chicago, Jessica and her husband moved to Champaign, IL to puruse graduate studies at the University of Illinois. Jessica is currently pursuing a Masters of Business Administration, which she will complete in 2009. She plans to continue a career in non-profit management in the Chicago area following graduation.

Jessica currently work as the Director of Marketing & Development at the Eastern Illinois Foodbank and volunteers with the Champaign-Urbana Theatre Company and Habitat for Humanity.

Its important to take advantage of all of the opportunities Gannon offers. There are so many ways to get involve and learn that will help you both personally and professionally. And, if you're interested in something not already available, there's always someone at Gannon willing to help make it happen. My experience with service projects at Gannon helped me learn that I wanted to use my communication skills to benefit non-profits. The experience I gained in both areas during my undergrad years helped me build a successful non-profit career.

I chose Gannon for several reasons. I really enjoyed the community at Gannon, as well as the opportunity to get a lot of hands-on experience beginning as a freshman. The opportunity to pursue Theatre and Communication Arts as one major was also a big factor in my choice. It allowed me to combine two fields I enjoyed, but balance to two to help achieve my individual goals.

As a student in fields where experience is critical, my favorite times at Gannon revolved around projects in theatre and radio. My experience at WERG defines my time at Gannon. During my years at Gannon, I worked as a DJ, Music Director and General Manager at WERG. I had a blast, worked hard and gained valuable experience that has helped me as I build my career.