Jessica Mallare Best

An educator, facilitator, and creative leader for almost 2 decades, Jessica is the Director of Learning & Development at The Center Consultancy, leading the Center’s Equity Certificate Program and the Educator Intensive Program, as well as holding all of the Center’s educational partnerships with school districts and other educational entities. She is also an adjunct professor at Western Oregon University and holds a Master of the Arts in Teaching from Lewis and Clark as well as a Bachelor of Science from Portland State University in Psychology and Social Science with a minor in Sociology.

Kids and families are at the center of everything for Jessica, including her two children and partner. Her experiences as a Brown girl in predominantly white public schools, as well as her experiences as a classroom teacher and building leader, have been fundamental in shaping how she sees education. Jessica shares, “What I have learned is that no matter where our kids come from, or what they bring with them through their lived experiences, they all want to be seen, heard, loved, and validated. Just like we all do. I have also learned that in order to create real shifts in the culture of our institutions we must lead with our hearts and create space to learn, understand, and connect with how race and racism function in all of our lives.”

Jessica’s expertise lies at the intersection of strategic leadership, curriculum development, and engaging facilitation. With a track record in facilitating equity-focused training and guiding organizations through transformational journeys, she brings a strategic lens to her work. Her dynamic leadership and service to roles in school districts and consulting firms underscore her ability to drive impactful change in diverse settings.