Staff: Jessica Heck

Jessica has worked in the nonprofit sector for the last 15 years and is passionate about youth and community. Like many, Jessica stumbled upon the nonprofit world in her first job as an Office Manager for Hadassah and then as a Camp Counselor for the YMCA. She recognized that she was destined to work for nonprofits and loved the community feel and empowering people. She returned to the University of Central Florida to receive her Master's in Nonprofit Management.

California born, and Florida raised, In 2012, Jessica relocated to Wisconsin and began working for the Boys and Girls Club. She spent 5 years there creating a safe and nurturing environment for the children she served. She found her true passion for working with youth who had trauma and mental health backgrounds. Through her work at the Boys and Girls Club, she created unique programs and engaged staff to help each individual child be successful.

In 2017, Jessica moved back to Florida with her daughter to be closer to family and the ocean. She spent the last 3 years working for the YMCA as a Membership Director. Jessica is excited to join the Friends of the Children-Tampa Chapter and reignite her passion for youth.

In her freetime, Jessica enjoys fishing, trips to Disney, loving on her two dogs, spending time with her family, traveling, going to the beach and trying new food.