Jay Artis-Wright is an executive leader, strategist, and nationally recognized advocate who helps organizations navigate the intersection of public policy, organizational growth, and systems change. As Chief Executive Officer of Freedom to Choose Schools, she leads a national organization that partners with education leaders, policymakers, philanthropic institutions, and community organizations to expand educational opportunity and strengthen the leadership pipeline of Black and Latino school founders and executives.

With more than two decades of executive leadership spanning nonprofit management, government affairs, political strategy, and education policy, Jay has built a reputation for transforming complex challenges into actionable strategies that drive measurable impact. Her work centers on building high-performing organizations, cultivating influential partnerships, and creating the conditions for long-term institutional sustainability.

A significant portion of Jay’s leadership is devoted to advising school CEOs, executive directors, and governing boards. She works directly with school leadership teams to strengthen governance, develop comprehensive advocacy strategies, engage parents and community stakeholders, build productive relationships with elected officials, and position schools for long-term growth and resilience. She also advises emerging school founders through school design, strategic planning, coalition building, fundraising strategy, and public affairs, helping visionary leaders turn innovative ideas into thriving institutions.

Beyond her work with individual schools, Jay has led statewide and national initiatives that unite elected officials, philanthropic leaders, business executives, educators, and community advocates around shared policy priorities. She is known for building uncommon partnerships, aligning diverse stakeholders around a common vision, and helping organizations navigate periods of growth, change, and political complexity.

Jay’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that sustainable organizations are built through courageous leadership, strong governance, authentic community engagement, and strategic influence. Whether leading a national nonprofit, advising executive teams, or shaping public policy, she is driven by one goal: building institutions that create lasting opportunity and measurable impact for the communities they serve.