Jessica McNear

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT JESSICA MCNEAR

I am an empathy-driven leader, and strive to build systems of care that restore dignity, safety, and stability for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and homelessness. I am committed to trauma-informed, person-centered leadership that meets people where they are, and walks with them toward where they want to go.As shelter director my work is grounded in the belief that housing is a human right. I champion Housing First principles, ensuring that safe, stable shelter is the foundation, not the reward, for recovery, stability, and healing. I strive to remove barriers, not build them, and to lead an amazing team that upholds compassion, accountability, and respect in every interaction.With over a decade of experience in program development and social services, I bring both strategy and heart to every initiative. I’ve led the implementation of trauma-informed frameworks across programs, trained multidisciplinary teams, and created operational systems that are both equitable and effective.I believe that real change happens when we center the voices of those we serve, trust our teams, and build services that reflect the realities and resilience of the people who use them. Whether navigating crisis response, cross-sector collaboration, or long-term systems change, I stay grounded in one truth: empathy is not a weakness, it’s the root of strong leadership.From building staff capacity and strengthening policies to walking alongside clients on their path to stability, I prioritize human dignity in every decision. Whether navigating complex systems or celebrating small victories, I know that empathy isn’t just a value, it’s a strategy for meaningful, sustainable impact.I am passionate about creating systems of care that are inclusive, equitable, and rooted in the belief that every person deserves a place to belong, and a chance to thrive.