Jacquaniese “Jaye” Washington is a visionary strategist with over a decade of experience in designing and executing programs that drive measurable impact and promote equity. As NAIC’s Director of Programs and Initiatives, she leads efforts that connect diverse investment managers with capital allocators, cultivate essential skills and competencies, and deliver actionable data and insights. Through events, programs, tools, and reports, she plays a key role in advancing NAIC’s mission to increase the flow of capital to diverse alternative asset managers, creating transformative opportunities across the industry.
Jaye’s professional journey reflects her expertise in bridging strategy with execution. At Gwinnett County Government (GA), she developed and implemented the Department of Planning and Development’s first-ever community engagement strategy, creating a series of programs and events that increased community participation and enhanced communication and education for county residents. As Integrated Communications Director at OCG PR, she developed and managed high-impact campaigns for prominent clients, including the NYC Education Equity Action Plan Coalition and Black Women’s Health Imperative, creating social-impact initiatives that advanced educational equity and improved health outcomes in marginalized communities.
Jaye’s experience with nationally recognized organizations like NASA and Teach for America further demonstrates her ability – and commitment – to drive impact. At NASA, she was entrusted with executive speechwriting for the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s leadership team and led internal communications programs that fostered employee engagement. At Teach for America, Jaye played a pivotal role in scaling a first-generation college student peer mentoring program, creating a support system that empowered students to navigate the challenges of higher education and excel both academically and professionally.
In addition to her professional contributions, Jaye serves as the Atlanta Chapter President of Black Women Invest, a national network of over 14,000 Black women across the U.S. united by a shared mission: empowering one million Black women to become stronger investors and build brighter futures for themselves and their families. In this role, she is dedicated to helping Black women build wealth and create lasting legacies, reflecting her commitment to fostering economic empowerment and creating pathways for long-term impact.
A proud HBCU graduate of Delaware State University, Jaye earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. Guided by the philosophy, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” she is dedicated to advancing progress, equity, and collaboration in all that she does.