About Me

Jasmine E. Sessoms is a visionary leader at the intersection of civic engagement, philanthropy, and politics, deeply committed to the advancement of Philadelphia and beyond. A proud native of the city, Jasmine has dedicated her career to driving meaningful change through strategic leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment.

As the President of The 1968 Collective, Jasmine leads a powerhouse organization that serves as the parent company of Center 1968 and Firm 1968. Inspired by the revolutionary spirit of 1968 and the legacy of Shirley Chisholm’s fearless leadership, The 1968 Collective stands firmly on the ethos of being "Unbought and Unbossed."

  • Center 1968 is dedicated to increasing civic engagement and providing comprehensive political education tailored to Black women.

  • Firm 1968 offers expert consulting services in political fundraising, government funding, nonprofit strategy, and corporate affairs, equipping organizations with the tools to make a lasting impact.

With a dynamic team of professionals, Firm 1968 brings together deep expertise, strategic insight, and hands-on experience to help clients navigate complex challenges and achieve transformational success.

A Proven Leader in Political Strategy & Advocacy

In 2024, Jasmine played a pivotal role in national politics as the Pennsylvania Chairwoman of Black Women for Kamala Harris and Co-Chair of the Pennsylvania Women for Kamala Harris Committee. In these roles, she worked closely with the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, traveled to all 67 counties, and mobilized over 7,000 Black women in a historic effort to support Vice President Harris’s candidacy.

Career Impact: Driving Change Across Sectors

Before launching The 1968 Collective, Jasmine made significant strides in higher education, corporate affairs, and nonprofit leadership:

  • Chief Engagement Officer, Community College of Philadelphia – Led government relations, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder engagement, revenue growth, and workforce development initiatives.

  • Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Executive Director, Hilco Redevelopment Partners Foundation – Spearheaded community and government relations, ESG initiatives, DEI strategies, and workforce development.

  • Managing Executive Director, The Fund for Philadelphia – Managed $17 million in grants, supporting the philanthropic efforts of Mayors Michael A. Nutter and James F. Kenney.

  • Founder, She Can Win – Established a groundbreaking nonprofit dedicated to preparing and empowering women—especially women of color—to run for political office. To date, She Can Win has trained over 1,000 women nationwide and has hosted high-profile discussions, including a roundtable with Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia.

Commitment to Service & Leadership

Jasmine’s contributions extend beyond her professional roles. She actively serves on several boards and commissions, including:

  • Cheyney University Board of Trustees

  • Philadelphia Health Partnership Foundation

  • The Mann Music Center

Education & Recognition

Jasmine is a proud alumna of Morgan State University and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Development and Leadership from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her leadership has been recognized at both local and national levels, cementing her reputation as a transformative force in civic engagement, philanthropy, and politics.