Jesse Dowsakul

Executive Director, Columbia Jewish Federation

Jessie Dowsakul is the Executive Director of the Columbia Jewish Federation, where she leads with heart, vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of community. Rooted in connection, service, and resilience, her work focuses on building a vibrant, inclusive, and secure Jewish future for Columbia, South Carolina, one relationship, partnership, and meaningful moment at a time. 

With more than a decade of experience in Jewish communal leadership, education, and engagement, Jessie brings a collaborative and people-first approach to everything she does. Prior to joining Columbia, she served as Chief Program & Engagement Officer at the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans, where she helped shape innovative programs, strengthen communal ties, and foster leadership across generations. 

Deeply passionate about Jewish peoplehood and the future of Jewish life, Jessie is energized by conversations around engagement, leadership development, and community building in an ever-changing world. When she’s not working to strengthen Jewish life, she can usually be found building connections, asking big questions, and saying yes to meaningful collaboration