Jesse Chang

Jesse provides vision and leadership for Literacy Minnesota's three AmeriCorps VISTA program tracks: Literacy for All, Digital Literacy, and Summer Reads. As the child of first-generation immigrants, Jesse can attest firsthand to the power of literacy in shaping his life. By bridging AmeriCorps national service with local nonprofits, schools, and public agencies, Jesse seeks to spark equitable social change in communities across Minnesota and beyond through improved literacy education and access.

Jesse is originally from central New York and holds a B.A. in geography from Colgate University. He was first drawn to nonprofit work as a Field School Fellow with the Upstate Institute, as well as two years of VISTA service with affordable housing agencies in Chicago, IL and Columbus, OH. Jesse went on to channel his passion for national service at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, where he developed the MCN VISTA Program over six years. Outside of work, Jesse enjoys biking, playing sports and music, sharing good food with family and friends, and finding creative ways to enjoy the brutally cold Minnesota winters. He is ever hopeful for peace to be made between his dog Dwight and cats Chibi and Shiro.