Jessica Starr brings both strategy and heart to her role as Director of Development at Working Wardrobes. In just a year and a half, she has helped shape how the organization connects with its community—building meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and supporters while driving the resources needed to power transformative programs.
At the core of Jessica’s work is a simple but powerful goal: to ensure that every individual who walks through Working Wardrobes’ doors has the opportunity to achieve career and life success. She leads fundraising strategy, donor stewardship, and partnership development, all while guiding events and campaigns that fuel long-term growth. But beyond the numbers and logistics, Jessica’s focus is on people—creating connections that are authentic, lasting, and deeply tied to the mission.
What she enjoys most about her role is the creative freedom to design experiences that people genuinely want to be part of. Whether it’s an event, a campaign, or a donor engagement opportunity, Jessica is constantly thinking about how to bring the mission to life in a way that resonates. “Seeing donors and community members engage in ways that directly fuel our programs—and ultimately transform lives—is incredibly rewarding,” she shares. It’s that connection between engagement and impact that drives her work every day.
One of the things Jessica is most proud of is how the Working Wardrobes brand has grown under her leadership. By translating impact into compelling stories, experiences, and moments, she has helped the community not only understand the mission—but feel it. That emotional connection has been key in strengthening support and expanding the organization’s reach.
For Jessica, the mission is deeply personal. She believes in the power of a second chance—not just to find employment, but to rebuild confidence, dignity, and hope. She has seen firsthand how the right support at the right moment can completely change someone’s path. That belief fuels her commitment to ensuring that Working Wardrobes can continue showing up for those who need it most.
Outside of work, Jessica brings that same energy into her personal life. She’s often in full mom-mode, balancing family time, squeezing in time with her son as he works two jobs while attending Irvine Valley College, and cheering on her daughter, who attends Legacy Magnet Academy and plays shortstop on a high school softball team. She’s also a proud bonus mom to two amazing young boys.
Jessica is a true ChangeMaker, helping turn vision into action and connection into impact. Through her leadership, she’s not only raising critical support for Working Wardrobes—she’s helping build a community that believes in what’s possible when people are given the chance to succeed.