Jessie-Lee Wallace
Women of Inspiration
Jessie-Lee Wallace inspires others through her community service, work, ideas, and by example. She is a role model who is making a difference in the lives of others, especially those who are socially or economically disadvantaged, or subjects of neglect or prejudice.
Raised by a single parent on social assistance, Jessie-Lee saw first-hand the value of public education. With a Bachelor of Arts in English and Fine Arts from the University of Ottawa, a Community Organizing for Social Justice Certificate from the University of Michigan, and a Graduate Certificate in Strategic Global Communication from Royal Roads University, she has worked to create a society that supports everyone to succeed.
She has held various leadership positions in different non-profit and charitable organizations that aim to improve the health, well-being, and dignity of people in need. She is currently the Senior Manager of Communications for the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation where she leads the strategic communication and marketing efforts to raise funds and awareness for cardiovascular research and care.
She is a current board member for the Blue Water Schools Network, a charity that helps train the next generation of children and youth to be water protectors. Her previous Board positions include being a Director for HelpAge Canada, a charity that works to improve the lives of older people in Canada and around the world; and, Daybreak Non-profit Housing, where she served as the Secretary and Chair of the Governance Committee for an organization that provides affordable housing and support services for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Also, she was previously the Director of Major Gifts and Communications at the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa where she helped to secure donations and grants for programs and services that empower children and youth to reach their full potential.
Jessie-Lee has helped to raise millions of dollars to build supportive housing and maintain an emergency shelter at Cornerstone Housing for Women, the only charity in Ottawa dedicated to serving the unique housing needs of homeless women. Earlier in her career, she helped to raise funds and support to build the new Ottawa Humane Society dedicated animal shelter and the new St. Patrick’s Home of Ottawa long-term care home for seniors.
She has also worked as a Philanthropic Counsel for Good Works, an Annual Giving Officer for CHEO (the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario), and as Director of Direct Fundraising for CARE Canada.
Jessie-Lee Wallace is a generous and caring person who gives back to her community in many ways. She is a meditation instructor who teaches mindfulness and stress management techniques to various groups and individuals. She is also involved in addiction recovery and mental health support groups, where she offers her empathy and guidance to those who are struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.
Jessie-Lee Wallace has shown dedication, creativity, and innovation in her work and volunteer activities. She is not only a leader but has mentored many young professionals and students who aspire to pursue careers in the non-profit sector or social justice causes. She has received recognition for her work from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Ottawa Chapter in 2021 and from the Ottawa Shambhala Centre.
Jessie-Lee Wallace is truly a woman of inspiration. She has made a positive difference to her community and to the citizens of Ottawa through her work and volunteerism.
