Jessica Wong

As a Climate Adaptation Communications and Education Fellow through the ORISE program, Jessica will provide support in brand development, communications outreach, and education efforts, by helping to broaden access to and literacy in climate change adaptation in Hawaiʻi and throughout the USAPI, with emphasis on engagement with previously unserved or underserved communities. In this position, she will help foster communications among local communities, scientists, and stewards of natural and cultural resources, with the intent of increasing awareness and incorporation of climate change into decision making within local, state, regional, and international contexts.

With an extensive background in communications, graphic design, branding and advertising, Jessica has substantial experience translating information and ideas into visual stories and identities through communication design. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design from The Art Institute of Phoenix, and has worked for a number of marketing and creative agencies, as well as for various businesses and organizations in Hawaiʻi as a freelance designer. Her professional goal is to focus her expertise and skillset towards science communications in the field of conservation, and to illuminate research that supports the health of the land, oceans, and communities affected by climate change. In addition, she aims to elevate and promote Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander knowledge of life, land, and sea systems.

Alongside her day-to-day profession, Jessica’s passion for conservation, and love for the ocean and marine life, led to a part-time position as a deckhand on a charter boat, giving her the opportunity to educate guests on ocean stewardship, sustainable practices, and marine ecosystems. She also found fulfillment as an animal care volunteer at Ke Kai Ola on Hawaiʻi Island, helping to rehabilitate young, sick, or injured Hawaiian monk seals back to health for release back into the wild. Her current extracurricular activity is learning ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi through Na Wai Iwi Ola in Kona.