Jessica Waters serves as the Executive Director of Nowell Academy, a public high school in Providence dedicated to ensuring pregnant, parenting, and underserved youth graduate with the skills and knowledge to thrive in college, career, and family life.

Since joining Nowell in 2016, Jessica has led the school through a transformational redesign, securing over $1 million through the Barr Foundation’s Engage New England initiative. Under her leadership, Nowell shifted from a drop-in tutoring model to a rigorous, personalized, competency-based program that re-engages students and removes barriers to success.

Jessica’s passion for this work is deeply personal. A former high school dropout herself, she understands the power of a second chance and is committed to creating a school where students who have been pushed to the margins can be seen, supported, and successful. As a proud Muslim woman and mother of four, Jessica brings both lived experience and educational expertise to her leadership.

Before joining Nowell, Jessica served as an Educator Specialist at the Rhode Island Department of Education and as Director of Next Generation Partnerships at Rhode Island Mayoral Academies. She began her career as a science teacher and was named the 2013 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year. In 2024, she traveled to Finland as a Fulbright Leaders for Global Schools recipient, studying international models for equity and innovation in education.