As a Senior Director on HU’s Peacebuilding team, Jesse currently manages a body of work that supports and accompanies networks of local peacebuilders from around the world as they use “people power” and partnerships with others to reimagine a peacebuilding system where international cooperation on peace and violent conflict is defined by those living closest to conflict and honors their vision for sustainable peace.
With a background in child protection and systems change, Jesse has worked extensively in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe on issues ranging from human trafficking and child exploitation to youth-led conflict transformation.
Prior to joining HU, Jesse was the Senior Child Protection Policy Advisor for World Vision USA, where he managed an advocacy portfolio focused on child trafficking, child labor, child sexual exploitation, and child soldiers. In this role, through World Vision’s global programs, he worked to strengthen community and government responses for the protection of children. Prior to joining World Vision, Jesse worked as the Director for External Relations for Resolve, an advocacy organization focused on bringing peace and justice to northern Uganda.
Jesse spent parts of his childhood in the Philippines and Uganda watching his parents take part in community building projects. He has testified before Congress in both the House and the Senate, and is often quoted by major media outlets. Jesse holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University, and a bachelor’s degree from Denison University.