Jessie Parks

Jessie Parks is a first-generation college graduate, former foster youth, and community organizer committed to advancing environmental and social justice. They earned a B.A. in Public Policy with a minor in Labor Studies from the University of California, Riverside, and are currently pursuing a Master of Urban Planning with a concentration in Climate Change and Sustainability at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy.

Jessie has organized on issues related to air pollution, warehouse expansion, and decarbonization efforts across the Inland Empire and Southern California, advocating for cleaner communities and equitable access to green jobs. They also serve as Director of Youth Fellowship Programs at Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance, where they support LGBTQ+ youth through leadership development, mental health advocacy, and youth-led storytelling initiatives.

As an emerging urban planner, Jessie is particularly interested in climate resilience, sustainable transportation, and equitable development strategies that prioritize historically marginalized communities. Their work centers on environmental justice, public health equity, and community empowerment. Outside of their professional work, Jessie enjoys collecting vinyl records, watching films, and reading memoirs.