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"I am not a number. I am a human first, a mother, a friend, a sister, an aunt, an organizer, an advocate for the voices behind bars. We need to end mass incarceration so society can stop using it as a tool to control marginalized communities and give women of color a fighting chance. And I believe we can."

Policy expert and leader in NY’s successful 2015 anti-shackling campaign

Featured News and Articles

Inside Arts NY

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

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Exciting News About SJP!

Exciting news about the Survivors Justice Project (SJP)!  In 2023, Women & Justice Project (WJP) became SJP’s movement home, offering strategic partnership, operational infrastructure, and

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Surviving Injustice

On Saturday, November 2nd, Women & Justice Project and Survivors Justice Project are excited to host Surviving Injustice: An evening to mark five years of

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Jess jackson

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.