Women Who Inspire Wednesday: Jessie Lavoie
Written by Program Coordinator, Chris Schnell
This week on Women Who Inspire Wednesdays, we’re honored to spotlight our very own, Jessie Lavoie, a woman whose path through science, service, and leadership reflects both tenacity and heart. From a young marine biology student to the current CEO of YWCA Alaska, Jessie’s story is one of transformation, courage, and and relentless commitment to building community.
Originally from Puyallup, Washington, Jessie grew up in what she describes as “a little farming town that grew up fast.” She moved to Alaska in 2006 to study marine biology at Alaska Pacific University. Though she earned her degree and even became scuba certified, Jessie’s heart pulled her in a new direction. “The field wasn’t the right fit for me anymore,” she shared. “Priorities shifted. I needed to be home more than I wasn’t.”
That shift led her into the nonprofit sector. A temporary volunteer gig with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society evolved into a full-time role. “I fell in love with it,” Jessie said. That love was rooted in something deeply personal. Her father lives with MS. “It gave the work a different kind of meaning.”
Over the next decade, Jessie grew into roles that combined community engagement, program design, and systems-level impact. From managing community contributions at Credit Union 1 to directing programs and grants at the Alaska Community Foundation, her career continued to evolve. One key milestone was helping mobilize $50 million in COVID-19 relief funding to Alaska’s nonprofit sector in just three weeks.
“I realized people were calling me, not just the organization, because they trusted me. That was a moment I won’t forget,” Jessie said. “I’d become someone the community could count on.”
In August 2024, she stepped into the role of CEO at YWCA Alaska. It was a bold move during a leadership transition and while managing a major federal grant. “It was a risk,” she admits. “But it felt right. I’ve never regretted it.”
As a leader, Jessie grounds her work in values she’s lived: empathy, responsiveness, and showing up for others, even when it’s hard. “I’ve experienced homelessness. I’ve been hungry. And I know what it’s like to have community show up without being asked,” she said. “That’s what drives me, making sure others get to feel that kind of support too.”
Her message for young women is simple. “We’re a sisterhood. And we need to support each other. I’m in this position because of the women who mentored me, believed in me, and helped break down barriers. We owe that to each other.”
When asked who inspires her, Jessie named women from all walks of life, including mentors, colleagues, and community changemakers. Some of those include Ann Hale, Chrissy Colucci, Davina Napier, and many other incredible women. She also highlighted the importance of “anti-mentors,” people who taught her what not to do. “They have their purpose too,” she added with a smile.
As for the future, Jessie dreams of a community where YWCA Alaska is instantly recognized, not just by its acronym, but by its presence, its people, and its purpose. “I want people to say, ‘Oh, that’s the group that hosted Paint Spenard Orange,’ or ‘I just talked to Scott, Chris or Ashley from YWCA.’ That’s how we know we’re doing the work right.”
And what keeps her going? A quote from Simon Sinek, proudly displayed on her LinkedIn:
“The value of our lives is not determined by what we do for ourselves. The value of our lives is determined by what we do for others.”
Jessie Lavoie lives that value every day, and our community is better for it.