Jay Shepley
Director of Communications
Jay Shepley (he/him) is an experienced storyteller, strategist, and communications leader in the nonprofit sector. As the first Director of Communications for Generation Hope, Jay brings a breadth of diverse experience in strategic communications leadership, anti-racist initiatives, digital marketing, writing, earned media, branding, content creation, community engagement, and technology.
Jay’s core focus as director of communications is to develop and lead the overarching communications strategy to enhance Generation Hope’s visibility nationally, regionally, and locally by effectively conveying our mission, programs, and impact. Jay believes deeply in ensuring the voices of parenting students are uplifted, honored, and heard.
After graduating from Indiana University in 2006 with a BA in Communications and Culture, Jay embarked on a professional journey in film and television production, working on fifteen feature films, and dozens of fiction and non-fiction television shows. Jay then transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2012. His past work has spanned intersectional issues including women’s rights and empowerment, racial equity, anti-racism, public health, poverty alleviation, leadership acceleration, and environmental justice.
Jay’s hobbies include photography and videography, cooking, and getting beat on the basketball court by his seven-year-old son, Jackson. Jay’s wife Owethu hails from South Africa. The two dream of financing a new building for her family’s K-12 agricultural school, which will help prepare a new generation of Zulu kids to build generational wealth and reclaim food sovereignty in the post-apartheid era. Jay, Owethu, and Jackson are proud residents of the Bellevue neighborhood in Ward 8 of Washington, DC.
Quote:
“The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have but in giving of who you are.” — Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole
Why I chose this quote:
I chose this quote from Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole because it expresses a philosophy of service and philanthropy that motivates the listener toward the deep engagement we need to find within ourselves to create a path of liberation and undo injustice.
When I think of Generation Hope, I am inspired by the victories achieved for striving families when networks of people mobilize as authentic individuals toward a collective vision.
Student parents give all of who they are so they can pursue a better path for their children. But to do so, especially if they are people of color, they often must break through seemingly insurmountable barriers. Dr. Cole’s quote expresses what is required to achieve the bold vision we seek, to empower student parents and foster systems change in higher education.