Tessy Jacques is the Program Operations Manager for Spirit of America’s International Operations Team, where she helps ensure the effective execution of the organization’s international programming and impact.

Prior to joining Spirit of America, Tessy implemented large-scale international development projects at Tetra Tech and Chemonics, both leading international development firms. At Tetra Tech, she supported programs focused on engaging local governance and civil society in peacebuilding and stabilization efforts. At headquarters, she managed a large scale portfolio within the organization’s peace, conflict, and stabilization practice area. She also led the operational implementation of Civil Society Engagement Activity in Djibouti as deputy chief of party and USAID’s Stability Support Initiative in Niger as country operations manager. Across these roles, she oversaw core operating units, including finance, procurement, operations, security, and administration. She provided strategic operational guidance to country teams and served as a key partner to U.S. government counterparts at USAID and the U.S. embassy, as well as local government officials and institutional partners. Her previous experience spans Africa and the Middle East.

Tessy holds a bachelor’s degree in economics, international studies, and philosophy from the University of South Florida and the University of Exeter. She was a Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellow at Princeton University.