Jessy Lee
It's been a long path, but I am learning to believe in my power and ability. - Jessy Lee
I first met Jessy when we were discussing the website needs for the North Valley Food Bank. Jessy was the new hired Executive Director of NVFB and her energy, focus and commitment were evident from our first meeting.
Jessy completed her Master of Public Administration at the University of Montana just before accepting her new assignment in Whitefish. She was awarded the MPA/Nonprofit Public Service Award recipient for the 2018-2019 academic year for her commitment to excellence in public service and academic excellence.
“I care about humanity, it’s that simple,” she said in an interview with the Daily Inter Lake.
I love the fact that this inspiring woman is in now Whitefish and working with a wonderful organization whose mission is to help all people and families in our community.
What did you daydream about when you were a kid?
I daydreamed about being an architect--I sort of thought I could do whatever I wanted. My grandpa made sure I knew I could.
What is your favorite thing about your studio or workspace?
I like to work on projects that require a lot of thought at my house. It's filled with plants, big windows, books, and three pets. I put some essential oils in my diffuser and relax into my thoughts.
What have been some of the greatest challenges in your career?
The greatest challenge I have had is being listened to and taken seriously. I am young, smart, and full of opinions. I've found over and over in my career that my opinions are often not heard.
Fortunately, I've been able to develop the trust of those around me and my opinions and considerations have become highly valued.
It just takes time.
What does success mean to you?
Success means making using my knowledge and strength to ease other peoples' challenges.
I grew up using a food bank and I understand how powerless poverty is.
I am lucky to no longer be in a position of powerlessness and I am successful when I use my power for a higher good.
How do you deal with self doubt or insecurity?
I surround myself with people who believe in me. When I am faced with self-doubt (which I often am), I call my partner, or a close friend and ask for encouragement. I am also learning to foster loving and encouraging responses within myself.
Who or What inspires you?
I am inspired by women who stand in the face of challenge and adversity and speak their truths, no matter how fierce their opposition.
What advice has been the most helpful in your life?
A colleague who I looked up to when I was a young professional said to me,
"You are incredible, I hope you can learn to believe that."
It's been a long path, but I am learning to believe in my power and ability.
Tell me about a failure that you learned from?
I was almost fired when I was young from a job I cared deeply about. With the support of people who believed in me, I stuck through it. Years later, the individual who almost fired me told me they had made a misjudgment and would have handled the situation differently today.
Tell Me - Why you do What you do?
I do what I do because I know that my life experiences and my personality and power can make real impacts on others' lives.
Do you have a favorite song, book or quote that motivates you?
I'm motivated by memoirs of people who experienced adversity as children and have somehow used the adversity to create positive change in the world.
Name 1 or 2 women who you admire?
Maya Angelou and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
If you could look back and give yourself some advice as you were starting out, what would it be?
If I could give my young professional self words of wisdom, it would simply be to believe in my abilities, stand by my convictions, and trust my inner voice.
I battled for too long against myself and my worth.
Trusting myself has carried me so much farther.
What one piece of advice would you give to young girls who are trying to navigate their future?
I would tell them that they don't always need to be nice. They can stand up loud and proud and take up space in the world.