Jessica N. Grounds
About Jessica N. Grounds
Jessica N. Grounds is a co-founder of Mine The Gap and Running Start, and serves as an adjunct lecturer at Georgetown University and Pepperdine University. She has extensive experience in gender equity and political leadership, having worked with various organizations and trained leaders globally.
Work at Mine The Gap
Jessica N. Grounds serves as Co-Founder of Mine The Gap, a consultancy that focuses on gender equity and diversity in leadership. Since its inception in 2016, she has worked to advise Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, including notable clients such as Amazon Web Services and the Federal Aviation Administration. The organization aims to address the challenges faced by women in the workplace and promote inclusive leadership practices.
Education and Expertise
Jessica Grounds holds an Executive Masters in Leadership from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, completed in 2012. She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Women, Policy & Political Leadership from American University in 2007 and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Pepperdine University in 2003. Her educational background supports her expertise in gender equity and political leadership, which she has applied in various roles throughout her career.
Background
Jessica Grounds began her career as a campaign consultant and staffer, contributing to political campaigns across the United States. She has held significant positions, including Senior Vice President at Stones' Phones and Assistant Project Manager at Aristotle International Inc. Grounds has also worked at the U.S. Department of State as a Speakers Bureau Expert Trainer and Speaker from 2009 to 2016, where she developed her skills in public speaking and training.
Achievements
Jessica Grounds has received multiple accolades for her contributions to political leadership and gender equity. She was recognized as one of the '40 Under 40' by the American Association of Political Consultants and received the 2022 Magis Award from Georgetown Business School. Additionally, she has been profiled in major publications such as Bloomberg, Fast Company, and Forbes, highlighting her influence in the field.
Involvement with Running Start
Jessica Grounds co-founded Running Start in 2007, an organization dedicated to inspiring young women to pursue elected office. Under her leadership, Running Start has trained over 25,000 girls and young women, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed for political engagement. She has served as both Executive Director and Board Director, contributing to the organization's mission of advancing women's representation in politics.