Jessica Boling, one of the best and brightest ever to walk the Coupeville High School hallways. (All photos poached from Miss Boling’s Facebook)
In a world of stars, Jessica Boling is the bright, blazing sun.
A talented athlete (and sometimes Videoville renter in her early days), the Coupeville High School grad has gone on to a truly impressive post-Wolf career.
Two college degrees are just the start, as Jessica earned a bachelor’s and master’s from renowned universities.
The first degree, which came in Social Work with a focus on International Development, is from Seattle University.
Her Master’s in Social Work, with a focus on Community Organizing, Policy and Administration, was issued by Boston College.
Ready to unleash volleyball excellence.
While some of us were content to hang around small towns renting DVD’s, Jessica journeyed to Cameroon, where she completed a Fulbright Fellowship.
From there, she’s spent years making Wisconsin a better place.
I mean, go down a list of her accomplishments, which includes her current position as Assistant Deputy Executive Director for the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority.
Jessica is also the co-chair for the Asian American and Pacific Islanders Coalition of Wisconsin, which allows her to help others embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage.
With Coupeville’s superstar driving the train, the AAPI launched “a first-of-its kind statewide coalition to amplify the AAPI voice, build awareness, lead advocacy projects, and raise funding for key initiatives.”
Jessica and Co. also worked to achieve their goal of seeing the Wisconsin Association of School Boards develop an AAPI history and culture curriculum for the state’s public schools.
And we can keep going and going, as Jessica seemingly fills every one of her hours with work in her community.
The former Wolf is a member of the Governor’s Equity and Inclusion Council.
A commissioner for the City of Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission.
A board member for Doyenne, a nonprofit that provides professional development for female entrepreneurs.
Plus, she’s a board member for the National Association of Asian American Professionals and was previously the Director of Operations for an “angel investment” group which helped secure investments for Wisconsin-based startups.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Jessica has been at the forefront of fighting for voter rights and has provided a strong voice in advocating for more help as anti-Asian hate crimes have risen.
The bright, super-talented young woman who once suited up for CHS volleyball and tennis squads has gone on to reach success in the real world that is truly astounding.
That her life’s work has been for the benefit of others is even more impressive.
Coupeville might have been just a small slice of Jessica’s story, but we can still claim her as one of the best to ever grace our community.
Induction into the Coupeville Sports Hall o’ Fame — a digital shrine which exists largely in our minds — will probably rank fairly low on the awards meter compared to some of the hardware she has rightfully earned.
But it’s what we have, a way to let Jessica know we still remember her and we’re very, very impressed watching from afar as she soars.
It’s also a way to put Wisconsin on notice — better appreciate what you have, because what you have is the absolute best.
After this, in our digital world, you’ll find Jessica at the top of the blog, hanging out under the Legends tab with others inducted over the past decade.
Back in the real world, look for where positive change is being made on a daily basis, where all cultures are embraced, and where committed souls fight for a better world.
That’s where you’ll find Jessica Boling.
Read Full Post »
Coupeville Sports 