Jesa Townsend

Jesa Townsend: A Servant Leader Transforming Communities Through Philanthropy and Empowerment 

Jesa Townsend is a servant leader and senior executive whose career exemplifies the transformative power of empathy, stewardship, and strategic development. With a proven ability to lead high-performing teams and a track record of raising over seven figures to advance vital causes, Jesa is a trusted voice in philanthropy, education, and the arts. As the Executive Director of Angels for Sight, she is committed to expanding access to critical vision care for underserved and marginalized populations, embodying her dedication to equity and community growth.

 

Jesa’s professional journey is defined by her ability to create meaningful change through strategic philanthropy. Among her notable accomplishments is her success in securing six- and seven-figure grants at the highest levels of government. The latter includes the federal Affordable Connectivity Program and significant funding from the Department of Justice—accomplishments that underscore her foresight, strategic vision, and persuasive leadership. 

 

A passionate advocate for the arts as a vehicle for social justice, Jesa’s creativity transcends traditional boundaries. As a public artist, she has partnered with over 30 organizations and secured five-figure city art commissions, using her talents to raise awareness and inspire action on critical social issues. Her artistic contributions have been nationally recognized by institutions such as the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Nevada State University, The National Charity League, and many more.

 

Jesa’s leadership also extends deeply into education, mentorship, and workforce development. She has developed community ambassador programs and internship pipelines in collaboration with senior executives at leading animation studios such as Skydance Animation, fostering opportunities for emerging talent. As a mentor, Jesa actively invests in the growth of individuals, inspiring the next generation of leaders with her guidance and support. Her dedication is evident in her work with educational institutions such as Whittier College, The Orange County School of the Arts, Aspire Public Schools, and nonprofits such as Meals on Wheels, Emile Chol Atelier, and Goodwill SF Bay, where she has driven initiatives to enhance community engagement and expand access to essential resources.

 

As a former K-12 educator and professor, Jesa has taught at grade levels, from third grade all the way to undergraduate, nurturing growth and inspiring future leaders. Her own academic journey includes studying at Lorenzo de’ Medici University and beginning her graduate studies at the University of Edinburgh before earning distinction and two consecutive academic fellowships at Johns Hopkins University. Her master’s thesis explored the arts as a tool to address issues of social justice, reflecting her lifelong commitment to creativity and equity.