Jessica Loya is a nationally recognized leader in environmental justice, policy strategy, and equitable governance. Most recently, she served as Deputy Associate Administrator for Public Engagement and Environmental Education at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where she played a key role in advancing the Administration’s environmental consumer protection priorities across the agency.

 

Jessica’s commitment to public service spans two presidential administrations. She began her federal career in the Obama White House, serving in the Council on Environmental Quality’s Office of Public Engagement, where she helped elevate community voices in federal environmental policy. In 2020, she was selected to join the Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Team, where she led efforts to identify, vet, and recommend candidates for key administration posts—contributing to the most diverse slate of appointees in U.S. history.

In 2021, Jessica founded Loya Strategies, a Latina-owned consulting firm focused on advancing environmental justice policy, equity in philanthropy, and capacity-building for BIPOC-led organizations. In its first year, the firm supported clients in securing over $1 million in grants and advised on more than $10 million in philanthropic investments.

 

Jessica brings over a decade of leadership in the nonprofit and advocacy sectors. As former Director of Policy & Programs at GreenLatinos, she led national campaigns on climate, conservation, clean air and water, and transportation equity. She has testified before federal agencies, worked closely with members of Congress, and trained thousands of grassroots advocates.

A respected coalition-builder, Jessica co-founded and co-led national networks including the Next 100 Coalition and Clean Water for All, driving major wins in federal land protections, water infrastructure, and regulatory reform.

 

A proud daughter of immigrants and first-generation college graduate, Jessica holds a Master of Policy Management from Georgetown University and a B.A. in Economics and Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she was honored for her advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ+ students of color.

 

Jessica currently serves as Board Chair of the Emery Community Garden Foundation and sits on the Next Generation Council of the Rock Creek Conservancy.