Her Story
About Jessica
Jessica James Alston is a senior-level EdTech professional serving as an Assessment Application Support Specialist, Sr. (L3) at Renaissance Learning, where she works with complex assessment and educational technology platforms. Her experience encompasses technical application support, assessment systems, troubleshooting, data and systems integration, IT service management, and collaboration with Product, Engineering, QA, Customer Success, and other cross-functional teams. Her career also includes experience as an educator, instructional technology professional, and IT support specialist, giving her a multifaceted understanding of both the technology and educational sides of the industry. She is particularly experienced in connecting technical problem-solving with the needs of educators, administrators, and learners.
Alston's academic background reflects the intersection of business, technology, education, and ministry. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Georgia State University in 2009, with studies encompassing computer information systems, computer science, computer forensics, and IT security. She subsequently earned a Master of Divinity from Emory University in 2014 and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Education–ESOL from Valdosta State University in 2021, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a 3.86 GPA. She also completed a University of Georgia certificate in collaborative, conversation-based instruction. Her professional development includes the Atlassian IT Service Management Professional Certificate and Google IT Support Professional Certificate, while her accomplishments include the Fannie Lou Hamer Award, Teacher of the Year, and the 2019 Trendsetter Award in Computer Science Education. As an ordained Reverend, she also brings a service-oriented and mission-driven perspective to her professional and community work.
Beyond her professional career, Alston is committed to education, advocacy, service, and community engagement. She has participated in the Social Justice Network at Zion Hill Baptist Church, EPIC/GeorgiaCAN parent advocacy, and a support group for mothers of children with autism. Her previous service includes work with the NAACP as a UI Designer and Voter Registration Field Worker and participation as a GoDaddy Customer Council Member. She describes integrity, honesty, and compassion as central values in both her professional and personal life and credits her mother with instilling the principles that have guided her. Her approach to career development is grounded in authenticity and perseverance, encouraging the next generation to focus on what they can accomplish rather than allowing limitations or setbacks to define what is possible.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jessica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother. She took motherhood by the reins and embraced it fully, and she was the person who instilled my values in me and taught me to overcome anything. Her strength, guidance, and example shaped who I am, and I owe so much of who I have become to her.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to be my authentic self. I believe there is value in remaining true to who I am, bringing my genuine perspective to my work, and allowing my character and abilities to speak for themselves.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do, regardless of the limitations or roadblocks you encounter throughout your journey. There will be times when you hear “no,” but I do not believe every “no” has to be a final answer. Look at the circumstances, consider the possibilities, and continue finding new ways to maneuver around the obstacles in front of you. Ultimately, you have a significant role in determining the direction and outcome of your own journey.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is navigating situations where there are risks. In educational technology and technical support, it is important to recognize potential risks, understand their implications, and determine how to move forward while continuing to support users and organizational goals.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are integrity, honesty, and compassion. I believe these values should guide how I treat people, how I approach challenges, and how I carry myself in every environment.
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