Jesse Hahnel
About Jesse Hahnel
Jesse Hahnel serves as the Executive Director of the National Center for Youth Law in Oakland, CA, a position he has held since 2015. He has a strong background in law and education, having studied at Stanford Law School and Harvard University, and has significantly advanced the organization's mission to support marginalized children.
Work at National Center For Youth Law
Jesse Hahnel has served as the Executive Director of the National Center for Youth Law since 2015. Under his leadership, the organization has undergone significant transformation, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hahnel has expanded the geographic scope and the communities served by the organization, positioning it as a civil-rights entity. He has also prioritized advancing racial equity, establishing new rights for marginalized children under the U.S. Constitution. His tenure has been marked by the drafting and securing of numerous critical pieces of legislation.
Education and Expertise
Jesse Hahnel holds a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Stanford Law School, where he studied Education Law from 2006 to 2008. He also attended Harvard Law School for a year, focusing on Education Law. Hahnel earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Mathematical Theory from Harvard University from 1994 to 1998. Additionally, he participated in the Economics Doctoral Program at the University of California, Berkeley, from 1999 to 2000. His educational background provides him with a strong foundation in law and policy, particularly in the context of youth advocacy.
Background
Before his current role, Jesse Hahnel worked at the National Center for Youth Law as the Director and Founder of FosterEd from 2008 to 2015. He also held the position of Senior Foundation Analyst at the KIPP Foundation from 2004 to 2005. His diverse professional experiences have contributed to his expertise in youth law and advocacy, allowing him to effectively lead initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalized children.
Achievements
During his tenure at the National Center for Youth Law, Jesse Hahnel has been instrumental in drafting and securing the passage of numerous critical pieces of legislation. His efforts have led to the establishment of new rights for marginalized children, reflecting his commitment to civil rights and social justice. Hahnel's leadership has transformed the organization into a more inclusive institution, significantly impacting the communities it serves.