Jessica serves as Senior Policy Research & Engagement Specialist at Openlands, bringing over 15 years of leadership experience in education, policy, equity-driven program design, and community engagement. In her role, she leads strategic planning and execution of equity-focused environmental and conservation initiatives and builds partnerships with city agencies and community organizations to advance nature-based learning.
Prior to joining Openlands, Jessica held senior leadership roles in Chicago Public Schools and higher education, where she spearheaded district-wide dual language programming and developed graduate-level curricula centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is the author of Seeing Ourselves in Nature (Redleaf Press, 2025) and contributes to national publications on educational sustainability. Jessica earned an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Roosevelt University and an M.A. in Dual Language Education & Teacher Leadership from the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. She is currently pursuing doctoral research in Educational Sustainability, focusing on systems transformation and social justice.
Jessica serves on the boards of NeighborSpace and the City of Chicago Native & Pollinator Garden Registry, where she advances urban greening and equity in conservation policy.
A visionary leader, Jessica is dedicated to transforming systems for justice and sustainability and leveraging her expertise to influence policy.
Favorite Place to Get Outside: She enjoys taking a walk through the expansive green spaces in her local neighborhood park and leading community greening initiatives through organizations like NeighborSpace and GreenLatinos.
LinkedIn: Jessica Fong, M.Ed., M.A.
Contact Information
- Email: jfong@openlands.org
- Phone: 312.863.6264
