Jessica Leon
Why I am dedicated to the Latinx MBA Association
As a daughter of Mexican farmworkers from a rural town in Idaho, I found it difficult to see myself in any kind of leadership or professional position. Thankfully through grit, perseverance, and the opportunity I had to build a network I have successfully progressed in my career and accomplished my own unimaginable goals. I realize that our potential should not be hindered by our zipcodes. Now more than ever, as the Latinx community and our purchasing power grows business leaders need to ensure our entire community is reaping the economic benefits by providing them with the tools and resources to do so.
Professional Biography
Jessica is pursuing an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management and an MPA at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is an Associate and Mosaic Fellow at New Markets Venture Partners, a growth stage EdTech and Future of Work Venture Capital Fund. Most recently she was at Kapor Capital, an early-stage Venture Capital fund focused on reducing the gap of access within underrepresented minorities and low-income communities. She has experience in fundraising, sourcing prospective companies, writing investment memos, conducting company diligence and financial analysis, and executing closings. In addition, Jessica has 5-years of experience within financial institutions driving strategic initiatives and analysis within Citigroup and Goldman Sachs. Post-MBA she plans to provide entrepreneurs with the capital and advisory services necessary to scale and grow their businesses.
Jessica is originally from Twin Falls, Idaho, and graduated from the University of Idaho with a dual degree in Finance and Operations Management. Jessica is passionate about serving the underserved, currently sits on the Business Advisory Board of the University of Idaho, and was formerly the fundraising chair for SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity), a non-profit in New York providing opportunities to underserved students.
