Jenn Ellis

Jenn Ellis joined All4Ed in August 2021 as Director of State Government Relations and supports the organization’s state and local policy agenda to ensure all students graduate prepared to complete postsecondary education and achieve success in a rapidly changing world.

Ms. Ellis has spent her career in the unique intersection between research, substantive policy, law, and real-world outreach and impact and has significant experience leading education-based policy, advocacy, and legislative initiatives. She also has a passion for making policy and data accessible, interesting, and actionable for everyone.

Prior to joining All4Ed, Ms. Ellis served as Director of Policy Engagement for XQ Institute in Oakland, CA where she oversaw nationwide policy initiatives to rethink high school and ensure that all students graduate ready to succeed in life. Ms. Ellis also worked to increase educational opportunity at the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now (ConnCAN) and Success Academy Charter Schools in New York City, where she served as both Head of Policy and Assistant General Counsel. Earlier in her career, Ms. Ellis worked in the Department of Justice with both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Housing and Civil Enforcement section of the Civil Rights Division. Her foundation in government relations was built through positions as a Legal Intern and Legislative Correspondent with Senator Maria Cantwell and through her time as a White House Intern with the Domestic Policy Council.

Ms. Ellis earned a bachelor of arts in political science, with a minor in German, from Washington State University and earned her law degree at Indiana University – Maurer School of Law.