Beyond the Work

Iced coffee in hand, music on, dogs nearby, a sprinkle of sass — endlessly inspired by kids, kindness, and rooting for the underdog.

I’m Jessica Martin — known to most as Jess, and to a few as Jai — a strategist, coach, and survivor who believes growth is possible for every person and every organization, no matter how complex the challenge or how deep the change.

With over three decades in nonprofit leadership, I’ve helped organizations secure more than $100 million in philanthropic revenue, build comprehensive development programs, and achieve massive growth in annual funding. My work spans local and national missions — from Big Brothers Big Sisters affiliates to children’s hospitals and foundations — guiding transformation through fund development, leadership coaching, and operational strategy. I’m known for a hands-on approach, a commitment to excellence, and a deep belief in turning vision into measurable impact.

Promise was never just a business plan — it was a promise born of love.

Before she passed, a dear friend challenged me to believe in my own strength. Her faith in me — and her final words, “I know you can” — inspired the creation of Promise Consulting & Coaching: a commitment to serve with integrity, compassion, and courage.

In 2022, my own life changed profoundly through trauma — an experience that deepened my understanding of resilience, healing, and the power of human connection. That journey reshaped how I live and serve: with empathy, honesty, and the conviction that growth begins when we meet ourselves and others exactly where we are.

Whether you’re leading a mission, navigating change, or finding new strength, I bring both strategy and soul — walking beside you in the work, the transformation, and the promise of what’s to come.

Our Who & Why

What Partners Say

“Jessica brings unmatched dedication and heart to philanthropy. Her work isn’t just a profession — it’s a mission to create change.”

Chief Medical Officer
“Dreaming, creating, and challenging alongside Jessica has been a gift. Her insight, partnership, and humor have shaped both my work and my legacy.”

Foundation President & Founder
“Jessica’s passion is tireless. She sets high standards, leads with kindness, and offers wisdom you can count on. Her sincerity and generosity of spirit make her one of a kind.”

Director of Communications
“Working with Jess was a turning point in my career. She’s a strategic thinker, skilled writer, and mission-focused mentor who challenges and inspires growth in others.”

Senior Development Officer
“Jessica balances big-picture strategy with an eye for every detail that makes execution successful. You can always depend on her to show up and deliver.”

Director of Operations
“Jess is one of the most sincere, generous, and resilient leaders I’ve ever known. She gives her all, brings out the best in others, and reminds everyone what it means to lead with heart.”

Executive Administrator
“Working with Jessica feels like meeting your best self. She helps you think boldly, act strategically, and uncover the very best in yourself and your organization.”

Executive Director
“Jessica has been an incredible mentor and supporter. Her ability to unite passionate people around meaningful strategies and turn ideas into results is remarkable.”

Director, Fortune 500 Corporation
“Jess is an exceptional leader and visionary. Her honesty, kindness, and courage inspire everyone around her. She’s taught me that adaptability and awareness are key to thriving.”

Donor Relations Manager
“Jessica is a gifted communicator who inspires action through her words. She’s a creative, collaborative nonprofit leader who turns ideas into results.”

Marketing Manager
“Jessica has a full-view understanding of philanthropy and an extraordinary way of making everyone feel valued. She models inclusivity, honesty, and friendship in everything she does.”

Director of Research
“Without Jess, you'll still succeed — but it will be so different. She’s a mentor, strategist, and advocate who helps people see their potential and rise to it. She taught me how to build, sustain, and believe in meaningful work.”

Grant Writer
“Jessica’s compassion extends to both people and animals — and she has an uncanny ability to keep progress moving in all she touches.”

Chief Executive Officer
“Working with Jessica is like walking into sunshine. Her warmth, humor, and professionalism inspire growth and respect in everyone around her.”

University Portfolio Manager
“Jessica is the person you want at the table. She leads with integrity, humor, and purpose — tackling challenges with calm, creativity, and courage. Tenacious, kind, and genuine, she makes every team stronger.”

Grant Manager

Our Who & Why

“Jessica brings unmatched dedication and heart to philanthropy. Her work isn’t just a profession — it’s a mission to create change.”

“Dreaming, creating, and challenging alongside Jessica has been a gift. Her insight, partnership, and humor have shaped both my work and my legacy.”

“Jessica’s passion is tireless. She sets high standards, leads with kindness, and offers wisdom you can count on. Her sincerity and generosity of spirit make her one of a kind.”

“Working with Jess was a turning point in my career. She’s a strategic thinker, skilled writer, and mission-focused mentor who challenges and inspires growth in others.”

“Jessica balances big-picture strategy with an eye for every detail that makes execution successful. You can always depend on her to show up and deliver.”

“Jess is one of the most sincere, generous, and resilient leaders I’ve ever known. She gives her all, brings out the best in others, and reminds everyone what it means to lead with heart.”

“Working with Jessica feels like meeting your best self. She helps you think boldly, act strategically, and uncover the very best in yourself and your organization.”

“Jessica has been an incredible mentor and supporter. Her ability to unite passionate people around meaningful strategies and turn ideas into results is remarkable.”

“Jess is an exceptional leader and visionary. Her honesty, kindness, and courage inspire everyone around her. She’s taught me that adaptability and awareness are key to thriving.”

“Jessica is a gifted communicator who inspires action through her words. She’s a creative, collaborative nonprofit leader who turns ideas into results.”

“Jessica has a full-view understanding of philanthropy and an extraordinary way of making everyone feel valued. She models inclusivity, honesty, and friendship in everything she does.”

“Without Jess, you'll still succeed — but it will be so different. She’s a mentor, strategist, and advocate who helps people see their potential and rise to it. She taught me how to build, sustain, and believe in meaningful work.”

“Jessica’s compassion extends to both people and animals — and she has an uncanny ability to keep progress moving in all she touches.”

“Working with Jessica is like walking into sunshine. Her warmth, humor, and professionalism inspire growth and respect in everyone around her.”

“Jessica is the person you want at the table. She leads with integrity, humor, and purpose — tackling challenges with calm, creativity, and courage. Tenacious, kind, and genuine, she makes every team stronger.”