JESSICA CORTWRIGHT

Jessica Cortwright serves as the Senior Director of Policy and Campaigns for RISE INDY, where she oversees the success and achievement of its endorsed candidates running for public office and issue-based campaigns. She is also responsible for building, maintaining, and expanding positive relationships with elected officials and advocating for RISE’s policy initiatives at the district, local and state levels of government. 

Prior to her role with RISE INDY, Cortwright was the Financial Performance Analyst for the Mayor of Indianapolis’ Office of Education Innovation, where she oversaw the financial performance of the Mayor’s sponsored charter schools. 

Cortwright has also served as the Campaign Manager for Senator Fady Qaddoura’s race for Indiana State Senate District 30 during the 2020 election, in which she successfully helped elect the Indiana General Assembly’s first Muslim legislator. 

Before the 2020 election, she was the Legislative Assistant for the Government Affairs Practice Group at Krieg DeVault LLP and provided client and legislative support at the Indiana Statehouse. Additionally, part of her responsibilities at Krieg DeVault included serving as Program Coordinator for Hoosier Women Forward, a political and civic leadership training program designed to empower Democratic women to become more active participants in politics and leaders in their communities.

She has also worked as United States Senator Joe Donnelly’s Staff Assistant and Case Manager, as a Fundraising Coordinator for United Way of Central Indiana, and as a Field Organizer for the Indiana Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign in 2018.

Cortwright received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History and her Master of Public Affairs degree from Indiana University.