Exciting news! Click here to read an important update from Jaya & Tamar, WJP’s co-founders.
WJP’s guiding principle is that women who are currently & formerly incarcerated have the right to be and should be leaders in transforming the criminal legal system and the conditions that drive that system.
On January 14th, 2026, the Expressive Arts and Write to Heal programs hosted a long-anticipated exhibition of student work at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, New
Women & Justice Project is thrilled to share that our documentary, Beyond Survival, has been officially selected for the 2025 Imagine This Women’s International Film
Women & Justice Project is excited to announce the launch of InsideArtsNY.org, a new website to highlight the powerful work of participants from the Expressive
Executive Director
Jess Jackson is a dynamic and creative professional with expertise in operations, program planning, organizing, and arts-based advocacy, committed to driving meaningful social change by cultivating highly functional organizations and innovative programming. To all aspects of her career, Jess brings a lifelong passion for the arts and a deep commitment to social justice. In summer 2026, Jess became Executive Director of WJP, leading the organization’s strategy, development, programs and partnerships. For 7 years prior, Jess served as WJP Director of Operations & Arts Advocacy, spearheading operations efforts and leading arts-based and culture change initiatives including creative arts programming at two New York women’s prisons. Prior to joining WJP, Jess worked in sales, business management, and arts administration with organizations including Marriott, Google, and the School of Visual Arts. She is known for developing highly impactful initiatives and programs for organizations looking to carry out their work in ways that are more effective, capacious, and values aligned. With a versatile skillset spanning operations, strategy, program planning, organizing, creative project management, and events, Jess brings an interdisciplinary flair to her work, and a dedication to advancing the brilliant work and vision of WJP’s staff and partners. Jess holds a BA from the University of Michigan, lives in Brooklyn with her family, and in her spare time enjoys volunteering with Narrows Botanical Gardens, traveling, reading, writing, and leaning into her creative pursuits.
