Jessica Edwards, MPS

Chief Development Officer
Strategic Alliances and Development
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Jessica Edwards directs the strategy, direction and coordination for all fundraising efforts that support NAMI’s mission and strategic plan. She identifies and encourages philanthropic opportunities and engages in meaningful donor and funder relationships. She works with strategic partnerships that touch all corners of the organization and alliance.

Jessica joined NAMI in 2011 as a coordinator of corporate affairs and governance. Since then, she has worked her way up in the organization overseeing the corporate, foundation and strategic partnership areas of Strategic Alliances & Development. She holds an undergraduate degree in Public Relations from West Virginia University and a Master’s Degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University.

What Piece Of Your Work At NAMI Are You Most Proud Of?

I am proud of how far the mental health movement has come in my decade+ at NAMI. When I started, mental health was not something celebrities and corporations were talking about openly and proudly. Now, we have an army of businesses and ambassadors who are proud to share their stories of hope and recovery, and they are changing the narrative. I am proud to have played a small role within NAMI of reducing the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

Who inspires you?

The people that we serve. There is no fiercer an advocate than a parent who demands better for their children, and that is the fabric of NAMI — mother advocates.