Jessica Avery

Title: Campaign Manager

Employer: Shirley Arriaga for State Representative

Degree & graduation year: Master of Public Policy and Administration, 2022

What I do: I support the candidate with phone banking, canvassing, recruiting, and managing volunteers through email, phone, and newsletters. I also co-develop communications and fundraising, strategic planning, lawn sign disbursement, organize campaign events, advise on endorsements, and coordinate with endorsed organizations.

How I ended up working there: When my current State Representative, Joe Wagner, announced his retirement, I looked to the MA Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) to explore if anyone had "pulled papers" (taken out state paperwork to run for office) for the 8th Hampden District. When I saw Shirley Arriaga had pulled papers, I emailed her to learn more about her candidacy and campaign! After speaking over the phone, she invited me to her advisory team.

The best part of my job: Meeting with so many people in my community! We the people change policy and politics. The more connected we are, the greater the impact.

A recent exciting work experience: As part of my role as Campaign Manager, I collaborated with then Democratic Lt. Governor candidate Kim Driscoll's team to organize a visit to the Chicopee Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) to discuss education, housing, and energy issues impacting Chicopee residents. Organizing included ensuring the press attended, which is crucial in educating people on resources and benefits.

How the School of Public Policy prepared me for my career: SPP prepared me with knowledge and skills. SPP helped honed my critical thinking skills which applied to new policy areas that allowed me to help create communications and campaign materials for everyone from federal elected officials to first-time voters.

Advice to students considering a degree in public policy: Keep up with current events. Public policy and politics influence one another greatly and having an understanding of the climate helps craft effective, passable, and impactful policies.

Future plans: Representative-Elect Arriaga inspired a new generation of politics in Chicopee, and it was an honor to be a part of that. I plan to stay engaged with political work on the state and municipal levels through professional and volunteer opportunities!

Posted November 2022