Name: Jessica Martone

Current Placement: Co-Chair of the Leadership Training Committee

Years in the League: Joined January 2015, 4.5 years in the League

Where did you go to school and what degrees do you hold? Went to Santa Clara University (BS in psychology), Loyola University Chicago (MSW and PhD in Social Work)

What do you do outside the League as a job? Tell us all your jobs both professional and other places you volunteer: I work as the Director of Research and Evaluation at SmartStart (soon to be “The Mark”). We work with universities, nonprofits and foundations and do program evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building. I also teach as an adjunct at Cal State Fullerton, I teach a research capstone course to MSW students.

What city did you grow up and how’d you end up in Long Beach? I grew up in Chicago and moved to California when I was 10 and lived in South Pasadena. Went back to Chicago for graduate school and moved to Long Beach 5 years ago! Met my now husband while still living in Chicago and he lived in Long Beach.

Why did you join the JLLB? I joined the Junior League right when I moved to Long Beach and did so to meet new people in the area and get involved with the community. I was really interested in being part of a group that was making a difference in a the community.

What keeps you staying in the JLLB? What I like to call #WhyiJLLB #ThisIsWhyIJuniorLeague I continue to stay in the League because of the training and the people. I realized that so much of what I learned and see in the League has helped me to do my job better. I have met wonderful people who have become close friends.

What are your hobbies / what do you like to do for fun? I love to go salsa dancing, workout at Orange Theory, be by the water, and try out all the great restaurants Long Beach has to offer.