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Jody Blaylock
Project Manager, Financial Justice Policy at Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights
Professional Background
Jody Blaylock is a seasoned policy and advocacy professional, boasting over seven years of comprehensive experience within the nonprofit sector. With a strong focus on policy development, advocacy initiatives, and project management, Jody has carved out a niche for herself in areas such as asset building, consumer protections, and savings policies. Her extensive background includes more than five years dedicated to crafting and executing impactful policy advocacy strategies that resonate within state and regional spheres.
Jody has notably excelled in state-level lobbying, where her expertise has enabled her to influence policy decisions that directly affect community welfare. Her commitment to social equity is evident in her work with various coalitions, where she has successfully managed both issue-specific and statewide advocacy efforts. As a Senior Policy Associate at Heartland Alliance, she continues to foster policies that empower individuals and communities, reinforcing her dedication to financial empowerment and social justice.
Education and Achievements
Jody's academic journey is marked by prestigious institutions. She attended Mandarin High School, where she laid the groundwork for her future studies. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida, where she gained foundational skills and knowledge critical to her career in social services. Jody also expanded her global perspective by studying at the Universidad de Costa Rica. This diverse educational background culminated in her Master’s Degree in Social Service Administration from the renowned University of Chicago, where she honed her abilities to analyze and address complex social issues.
Notable Contributions
Throughout her career, Jody has demonstrated an exceptional ability to plan and execute significant state and regional conferences. Additionally, she successfully spearheaded the establishment of a regional consortium that brought together various stakeholders committed to social advocacy and economic empowerment.
One of her noteworthy achievements includes the development and management of a pilot project aimed at conducting outreach for free summer meals, which directly addressed food insecurity among underprivileged populations. Her work not only shows her strategic thinking but also her deep commitment to enhancing community resources and support systems.
In her previous role as Advocacy Coordinator at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, she played a pivotal role in advocating for food security policies that help alleviate hunger and improve access to nutrition for all individuals in the community. Her experiences with other organizations, such as the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless and Community Organizing And Family Issues, equipped her with the skills necessary to mobilize community efforts and advocate effectively on behalf of marginalized groups. Jody's performed duties as an Organizing Administrative Assistant and Food Ambassador Project Assistant have provided her with a solid grounding in grassroots organizing techniques as well.
Leadership and Coalition Management
One of the hallmarks of Jody's career is her ability to lead and manage coalitions that drive social change. She has been instrumental in forming and leading issue-specific coalitions that have united diverse stakeholders around common goals. Her experiences range from serving as a Social Work Graduate Intern at Access Living to volunteering with organizations such as Thrive Africa, where she dedicated her talents to uplifting communities. Each of these roles has provided her with unique insights into the challenges faced by various populations, amplifying her resolve to create equitable systems.
Jody's leadership in developing advocacy strategies has earned her respect among colleagues and peers. Her exceptional communication skills have allowed her to effectively convey complex policy issues to stakeholders, fundraising entities, and the general public, making her an invaluable asset to any organization she is a part of.
Achievements
- Over 5 years of developing impactful advocacy strategies
- 5 years of successful state-level lobbying experience
- Proven expertise in asset building and consumer protection policies
- Leadership in planning major state and regional conferences and a consortium
- Developed and managed outreach programs for summer meals for underserved communities
- Successfully managed coalitions directed toward public policy changes that promote social equity
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