Jessica Gisondo has worked at the intersection of philanthropy, non-profits, and social change for over a decade. Her expertise spans strategic grantmaking, stakeholder management, writing, and project management. As Head of Clientele at Lebec Consulting, Jessica oversees all client workstreams as well as communications for the business. 

While at Open Society Foundations, Jessica conducted extensive due diligence to mobilize funders across thematic and geographic priorities to counter the increasing backlash against progressive movements. This included developing and co-managing the New Executives Fund, a unique philanthropic portfolio providing key support to new nonprofit heads and organizations navigating leadership transitions around the world.   

At Bloomberg Philanthropies, Jessica served as a liaison to the Arts and Environment teams, supporting their portfolios with monitoring and evaluation, reporting, grant execution, and internal and external communications. Previously, Jessica worked at the United Nations as a special assistant and policy advisor to the Rwandan diplomatic team. She also has diverse experience in the social enterprise and non-profit sectors as a researcher and director of community engagement. Today, she consults regularly for global human rights foundations on their grantmaking.   

Jessica holds a Master of Arts in International Affairs from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and History from the University of California, San Diego with summa cum laude honors and Phi Beta Kappa distinction.  

During her free time, Jessica can be found eating her way through Los Angeles, reading historical fiction, and planning her next trip with her twin sister. She also loves to scuba dive, sing Broadway musicals out of tune, and buy too many houseplants.   

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