Jake is a native of rural Michigan, Missouri, and Indiana, and brings a background in community development, nonprofit work, education, and equity-centered practice. Jake holds an MA in Intercultural Encounters from the University of Helsinki and a BA in Journalism from Indiana University.

Before joining Spencer Pride, Jake served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Togo, partnering with local communities on education, health, and agricultural initiatives, managing grant-funded projects, working with local organizations, and helping launch a village library. They also served as a Team Leader with AmeriCorps NCCC, leading a team through disaster relief, public health, and community service projects across the United States. 

Jake’s experience includes advocacy and nonprofit work through roles with the Human Rights Campaign and the Center of Excellence for Women & Technology, where they supported equity programming, community engagement, and board relations.

As for Jake’s passions outside of work, they enjoy reading, language learning, and spending time outdoors.

Contact Jake via email jake@SpencerPride.org.