jessica@cpedv.org – Jessica Merrill has created communications strategies at the Partnership for eleven years. Over the course of several successful state budget campaigns, Jessica has helped build support for teen dating violence prevention at the Capitol, elevating youth leadership’s voices. She also created messaging to preserve funding for life-saving services throughout California—mobilizing advocates and concerned Californians. Jessica’s media advocacy for state budget requests have secured pieces in CalMatters and the Sacramento Bee, among other publications. Her policy communications continued with the development of national strategies to unify sexual and domestic violence organizations and preserve federal infrastructure for survivor and prevention services.
Jessica co-created three media trainings that have resulted in more accurate and solutions-focused coverage of domestic violence. These trainings have equipped domestic violence organizations and survivors with the skills to interview with journalists. Jessica also helped develop the Journalist Playbook, a resource for crafting solutions-based stories while centering survivors’ voices in a trauma-informed way.
Jessica began her career at a regional organization advocating for affordable housing policies. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology and American Studies from UC Davis, and obtained her Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Sacramento State University. She has a love for icebreakers, ‘80s music, and supporting youth leadership.