June 2020 | Lisl Liang

Jessica Rogers believes access to opportunity for all is the base for building a strong community.

This belief has transformed her passion for helping women, children, and families into a dynamic professional career focused on the well-being of humankind. As a mother, she raises her daughter the way that her own mother taught her, to strive to make a difference in the lives of others in her community.

With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, Jessica serves as Vice President of Philanthropy at Children First, Sarasota County’s exclusive Head Start Program, ranking in the top 1% of Head Starts nationwide. She represents the agency in advocating for the support of early childhood education and breaking barriers of poverty. During her tenure, she has transformed fundraising and outreach efforts allowing the agency to serve the greatest number of children and families in its 59-year history and being named WEDU PBS’s Nonprofit of the Year.

Rogers’ volunteer and philanthropic engagement is broad across our community. She has served on the board of directors for the Junior League of Sarasota and serves as a member of the Sarasota Alumnae Sustainers. Rogers has brought awareness to the mission of the National Council of Jewish Women and the programs of their local chapter in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Rogers is a proud graduate of Sarasota Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership program and serves on the Leadership Alumni Committee, and has served as a Troop Co-Leader for the Girl Scouts of Southwest Florida.