Dr. Jesseca E. Lightbourne

Jesseca Lightbourne, Ph.D., is a transformative leader dedicated to advancing education, sustainable communities, and equitable public policy.

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Dr. Jesseca E. Lightbourne is an Assistant Professor of Public Leadership at UNT Dallas. She is a candidate for the City of Dallas, City Council District 3. She combines teaching, research, and community engagement to drive meaningful change. Her work focuses on eliminating food insecurity, upskilling the workforce through education, and expanding affordable housing solutions to reduce the saturation of multifamily units. Jesseca has played a pivotal role in developing strategic plans for community organizations, integrating service learning into public administration education, and mentoring students in research that impacts policy and practice. She has worked closely with local leaders to enhance civic engagement and improve quality of life through sustainable policy solutions.

Her notable accomplishments include:

  1. Developing UNT Dallas’s first graduate course on the Economics of Disasters and Hazards to equip emergency managers with the tools for sustainable recovery.

  2. Leading program evaluations that helped nonprofit organizations like Promise House leverage funding and expand their services.

  3. Implementing Service-learning projects that connect students with real-world governance challenges, leading to impactful solutions for city departments and nonprofit organizations.

  4. Advocating for community-driven initiatives that address food insecurity, economic mobility, and housing stability.

Through her research, teaching, and service, Jesseca remains committed to fostering sustainable, inclusive communities that empower individuals and families for generations to come.

Explore Dr. Jesseca’s work, research, and community projects – and join her in bringing the LIGHT to District 3 by collaborating to build sustainable, inclusive, and thriving communities.