Jody is a native of Los Angeles, California. She has experience working in the private, public, and non-profit sectors in business operations and development, marketing and communications, and on issues related to financial literacy, gender justice, and poverty reduction. While working at the U.S. Embassy in Athens as a member of the public affairs team, she designed and led the mission's social media strategy. She also co-founded a civil society organization in Greece to help accelerate economic recovery through targeted interventions in market outreach and community and capacity building. Jody earned a bachelor’s degree in classics from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in international affairs with a concentration in economic development policy from the George Washington University. After completing her studies, Jody worked for the Rights and Resources Initiative, an international coalition working to secure land and resources rights for local communities. She loves coffee, afternoon naps, and learning new languages.