Jessica Hardy
Jessica Hardy is an accomplished workforce development professional with extensive experience in program development, training delivery, and career coaching. Currently serving as a Supervisor at WorkSource Mason in Shelton, Washington, she leads initiatives that support job seekers in navigating career pathways and achieving their professional goals. With a career spanning over eight years in workforce services, Jessica has held multiple leadership roles, including Team Lead Manager at WorkSource Thurston County and Workforce Development Specialist with the Pacific Mountain Workforce Development Council. Her expertise in collaborative problem-solving and program development has consistently advanced the impact of the organizations she serves.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from The Evergreen State College, where she focused on building just and sustainable communities, and an Associate’s degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from South Puget Sound Community College. Her academic foundation in education underpins her commitment to empowering individuals through career guidance and skill development. Beyond her professional endeavors, she actively contributes to her community, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Mason County and serving on the board of the Asset Building Coalition of Mason County to promote economic empowerment.
Passionate about lifelong learning and personal growth, Jessica combines her love for music, gardening, and the outdoors with her dedication to public service. She has been recognized for her leadership and initiative, receiving awards such as the “Get It Done” award in 2019 and creating innovative programs like Team Tech Tutors to support youth development. Known for her collaborative approach and dedication to helping others succeed, Jessica continues to inspire those around her through her work, mentorship, and community engagement.
• The Evergreen State College - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of resiliency, integrity, and love. Staying resilient has allowed me to navigate challenges, maintaining integrity has guided my decisions, and approaching everything with love has fostered meaningful connections and purpose in my work.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to not sweat the small stuff. Focusing on what truly matters helps me stay grounded, make clearer decisions, and maintain perspective even in challenging situations.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be comfortable with change. Embracing adaptability allows you to grow, seize new opportunities, and navigate the evolving landscape with confidence and resilience.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now revolves around policies. Staying informed and adaptable to changing regulations allows us to navigate challenges effectively, while also creating opportunities to innovate and lead within the framework of those policies.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are love, integrity, connectedness, and communication. These principles guide my decisions, foster meaningful relationships, and ensure that I approach every situation with honesty, empathy, and openness.
Locations
WorkSource Mason
Olympia, WA