Jamella Lee, a seasoned human resources executive, serves as the Chief People Officer at Jumpstart, where she is committed to driving positive change and creating a brighter future for all. With a wealth of experience cultivating vibrant organizational cultures and fostering employee engagement, Jamella deeply understands people dynamics in her role. Her passion for nurturing talent and promoting inclusivity underscores her dedication to fostering a workplace environment where individuals thrive and contribute meaningfully to Jumpstart’s mission.
A lifelong learner, Jamella Lee earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. During this time, Jamella also earned a minor in business. After graduation, Jamella Lee took a break from her education to serve as a City Year of Columbus corps member. Once done, Jamella continued her education at Harvard Graduate School of Education, earning her master’s in education.
Jamella Lee‘s education didn’t end there. In 2010, Jamella completed her Juris Doctor degree at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She was honored with the Katherine C. Jones Scholarship and the Marsha Schermer Scholarship from the Columbus Bar Foundation during her time in the program. Throughout law school, Jamella gained experience as a two-year summer associate at Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP, and contributed to the Ohio Law & Leadership Institute, aimed at empowering high school students from underprivileged backgrounds to develop skills essential for future roles in law and leadership within their communities.
Recognized for her exemplary service to the Moritz College of Law, Jamella Lee received the prestigious Harry S. and Georgina Lett Memorial Award upon graduation. In addition to these accomplishments, Jamella was awarded the Compaq Leadership Award, recognizing her dedication to civic leadership and service as an esteemed alumna of City Year.
Over the years, Jamella Lee has worked hard to bolster her professional experience. While working toward her master’s degree, Jamella became an elementary school teacher at King Elementary School in Cambridge, MA. She also worked as a facilitator at the Harvard Summer Literacy Institute. Jamella worked as a literacy instructor at the Dorchester Neighborhood Charter School, her last employment before leaving Harvard.
After earning her master’s, Jamella Lee‘s options opened up even further. She relocated to South Africa to oversee City Year’s Clinton Democracy Fellowship. She did so in response to a direct request from former President Clinton and President Nelson Mandela. She held this position for several years before returning home.
After returning home, Jamella Lee started working for the Ohio Charter School Association as the Vice President of Professional Development and Communications. She was also employed at Concept Schools in Chicago as the Vice President of Development and Special Initiatives.
All of Jamella Lee‘s professional efforts have recently focused on Jumpstart. As Chief People Officer, Jamella Lee offers strategic human capital guidance to ensure Jumpstart’s objectives, values, and people-centric ethos harmonize with its mission. Her leadership aims to cultivate the essential personnel capabilities required to advance the organization’s goal of fostering a more equitable education system for young children. Jumpstart’s mission (“every child in America enters kindergarten prepared to succeed”) is something Jamella wholeheartedly supports. Thus, she is the perfect candidate for the role.
To learn more about Jamella Lee, visit her Travel Website.
