Hope is my middle name. ex-Google X, ex-Impossible Foods Marcomms Leader | Climate Advocate | Advisor | Mom
Hi, I'm Jessica. Mom. Climate-obsessed. Middle name is Hope. Storytelling, marketing and communications are my tools. I am also deeply committed to social impact. I live in Oakland, CA. I am proud to be a PTSA fundraiser for my son's high school, Skyline High. It's this gorgeous campus in the hills, nestled among redwoods, with views of the whole Bay Area. Awesome families. You might have also read headlines recently about this school because, like all of Oakland, it's a mixed bag of amazing and rough. Skyline is a Title 1 school, meaning that at least 40% of the student population must be from low-income households to receive funding. This is also a city where the top 10% of households hold 67% of total household wealth. So in this increasingly bifurcated world we live in that our city is a microcosm of, somehow at Skyline, these kids all come together pretty harmoniously. Last year, with my fundraising hat on, hot from my role at Impossible Foods, I heard about swiirl , a company connecting brands like Impossible to underfunded high schools to get arts programs funded and young creators a leg up. I cold emailed them (underused tactic), and started talking to Daniel Mohanrao and Kay Boamah about the possibility of getting Skyline involved. I jumped in as an Advisor after catching wind of the infectious smarts and energy Daniel and Kay emanate- these are hard problems to solve and it's going to take new models, and the kind of dedication and creativity this team is bringing to start to bridge these gaps. Hats off 🎩 , D6 and Kay. So .. may I now introduce...a collaboration between Skyline AP Art teacher Rachel Thomas art students, Mel Science and Swiirl to create a campaign video showcasing the power of STEM education. This partnership provides students with real-world experience while also offering a meaningful fundraising opportunity for Skyline. And of course, I'd be no kind of fundraiser if I didn't share that if you use code MELFUN ,you can take advantage of a discount on the kits while supporting Skyline High School!
Unlocking the Power of Collaboration: Swiirl x MEL Science x Skyline High School: We’re thrilled to share a powerful example of what our platform at Swiirl makes possible: a meaningful campaign born from collaboration between MEL Science, the incredible student creators at Skyline High School, and Oakland Unified School District. This initiative is more than just a campaign—it’s a testament to the immense potential of connecting brands, schools, and student creators in a way that creates lasting impact. The Campaign: Skyline High School creative students created an inspiring video highlighting the importance of STEM education, bringing their unique perspectives and creativity to the forefront. Their work represents the authentic voices of students empowered to tell their own stories. See the first campaign video featured on Instagram: https://lnkd.in/gwYzTFR8 The Swiirl Ecosystem: This collaboration reflects the core of Swiirl's mission: Brands engage authentically with communities and amplify purpose-driven narratives. Schools receive critical funding and visibility while showcasing student talent. Student creators gain real-world experience, connect with top brands, and build their portfolios. Why It Matters: Through this campaign, MEL Science not only amplified their mission to make STEM education accessible but also directly supported Skyline High School’s efforts to create opportunities for their students. This is what happens when brands and communities come together through Swiirl—impact, empowerment, and growth for everyone involved. #MelScience #STEMEducation #StudentCreators #CommunityImpact #digitalmarketing #Swiirl
Erin Tao
1d
another oakland mom (few years out from ousd!) chiming in to say THIS IS AWESOME <3
Jose Corona
21h
This is awesome, Jessica. Thanks for your continued commitment to our community. Now that I know you’re a Skyline parent (so am I), please let me know how I can support this and other PTSA efforts. Wishing you the best during the holidays.
This is such a great opportunity for Skyline students. Thank you for your passion and persistence to make this cool project happen. Oakland kids deserve to be celebrated!
Kay Boamah
6d
Wow! This means the world to read. It is an honor to have you on this journey with us Jessica Appelgren. Thank you so much for the support and guidance. So proud of the work we are doing and even prouder to see the genius of youth take center stage in this campaign. 🖤🙌🏿
Jessica Appelgren this post gave me both chills and warmth. I think this might be one of my most fave LinkedIn experiences,reading what you wrote. thank you so much for your support, guidance, and inspiration. I read this 3 times- and I gotta say- your post reads like a story - and stories are my favorite. Thank you for all that you’ve done and continue to do to bring more stories to life. We appreciate you tons.