Jessa Barzelay

Jessa Barzelay, M.N.A., serves as the Director of Guest Education and Academy Volunteers at the California Academy of Sciences since December 2024. Previously, Jessa held the role of Chief Programs Officer and Director of Education at CuriOdyssey, managing a team of over 20 staff members from November 2021 to December 2024. Jessa has also contributed as Director of Education at ChangeScale and as a Steering Committee Member for the San Francisco Botanical Garden Society, enhancing community engagement through innovative programs. Experience at the San Francisco Zoo spanned a decade, where Jessa progressed from Education Supervisor to Education Director, focusing on connecting youth and families to nature. Academic credentials include a Master’s degree in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management from the University of San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz.