Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica Hasson has spent two decades reshaping how people learn, moving from the university classroom into the broader world of instructional design and educational innovation. Her academic journey began with an unconventional path: as a student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, she designed her own interdisciplinary major, the Exploration of Human Potential and Actualization, setting the tone for a career built on curiosity and a desire to help others grow. That foundation carried her into teaching positions across California, where she introduced students to critical thinking and positive psychology before expanding her focus toward curriculum design and the future of learning in an increasingly AI-driven world. Today, working as both a professor and instructional designer, she develops learning ecosystems that merge emerging technology with timeless human qualities like creativity, resilience, and sound judgment.
Throughout her career, Jessica has placed equal emphasis on professional impact and personal grounding. Her involvement with Bodhi Meditation Silicon Valley reflects a long-standing commitment to mindfulness and community wellness, while her role as a mentor with TechWomen has allowed her to support rising women leaders in STEM fields across the globe. One of her proudest moments came when she traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent Silicon Valley in the TechWomen leadership program, forging connections with international mentees and reaffirming her dedication to global education and leadership development. She also counts a Faculty of the Year nomination among her most cherished achievements, viewing it as proof of the lasting influence she has had on the students she has taught.
What sets Jessica apart is her conviction that meaningful education must nurture the whole person, not just deliver information. She approaches her work with a blend of compassion, integrity, and steady self-reflection, qualities she credits to years of meditation practice and a clear sense of personal purpose. Outside the classroom, she finds renewal in gardening, hiking, and crafting herbal teas and essential oils from plants she grows herself, pursuits that mirror her belief in balance and continual learning. As she looks toward the future, Jessica remains focused on expanding her influence through new courses, speaking opportunities, and digital resources, all aimed at preparing educators and learners alike to navigate an AI-enabled world without losing sight of what makes us human.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to deep meditation and reflection, and to staying grounded in my own personal values. Meditation has helped me remain centered through the ebbs and flows of both life and work, and my North Star has always been cultivating a state of inner peace. My curiosity, commitment to lifelong learning, and sense of purpose have also allowed me to evolve continuously and stay at the forefront of educational innovation.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is to "just do it," and to do it afraid—do it anyway. If I have an idea, I don't wait for the perfect moment; I take action even before everything is figured out. Every meaningful project I've begun started with my willingness to take that first step. I've also been fortunate to draw inspiration from mentors, educators, and global leaders I've connected with through TechWomen and Bodhi Meditation Silicon Valley, who have challenged my thinking and supported my growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to stay curious and not let age, expectations, or any of the "isms" become barriers to their growth. Approach life and work with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. I also believe it's essential to build a strong community around yourself, because we can't underestimate the importance of people who encourage us, challenge us, and help us grow. Take action even when outcomes are uncertain, and embrace new opportunities with confidence.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I believe artificial intelligence is transforming education in unprecedented ways, creating both significant challenges and extraordinary opportunities. The greatest challenge I see is ensuring that education continues to cultivate uniquely human skills that technology cannot replace, including critical thinking, creativity, empathy, wisdom, and ethical decision-making. At the same time, I believe AI offers tremendous opportunities to personalize learning, improve educational access, and create more engaging learning experiences. I'm passionate about helping educators thoughtfully integrate technology while ensuring students develop the human capabilities needed to thrive in the future.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value curiosity, compassion, continuous learning, wisdom, integrity, mindfulness, and service. I believe education should develop the whole person rather than simply transfer knowledge. Both personally and professionally, I strive to foster environments where people feel empowered to grow, ask meaningful questions, embrace lifelong learning, and make thoughtful contributions to society.
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