Jessica J. Fulton | Economic Policy Strategist

Economic Policy Strategist

Jessica J.
Fulton

Rigorous analysis.
Real-world impact.

Nearly 20 years bringing economic analysis and a trusted public voice to the policies that shape Black households, workers, and communities.

Consulting Media Speaking
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Jessica J. Fulton

About

Policy
With
Purpose

Bold, intersectional policy work requires more than expertise — it requires someone who understands the communities at stake, the systems that have failed them, and how we can work together to create a stronger future for all of us.

Jessica J. Fulton is an economic policy strategist and consultant with nearly 20 years of experience analyzing and advocating for public policies that improve conditions for marginalized communities. An expert at the intersection of race and economic policy, she focuses on identifying and promoting policies to build an economy that works for all households.

Previously, Jessica helped lead the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies — America’s Black Think Tank — as Vice President of Policy and Interim President. She has also shaped policy at the federal, state, and local levels through roles at the Washington Center for Equitable Growth, DC Fiscal Policy Institute, and the Chicago Urban League.

Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, NPR, CNN, the Associated Press, MSNBC, Essence, and The Grio, among others. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a master’s in economic policy analysis from the Kellstadt Graduate School of Business at DePaul University.

Race & Economic Policy Black Unemployment Tax Policy Federal Budget Labor Markets EITC Reform Diversity in Government Racial Wealth Gap
J
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Jessica’s writing on economic policy & race
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Consulting & Advisory

Let’s Build
Something
Equitable

Good analysis isn’t the same as impact. Plenty of organizations have the data they need and still can’t move a debate, secure a funder, or get a policymaker’s attention.

Jessica closes that gap. She brings analytical rigor and an operator’s instinct for what actually drives change — so your research gets used, your case gets made, and your work has the standing it deserves.

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Analytical rigor and an operator’s instinct for what actually drives change — with depth on the policies shaping the economic lives of Black households and workers.

— What Clients Get

01
Policy Research & Economic Analysis
Original analysis on the issues shaping economic opportunity — rigorous enough to withstand scrutiny, clear enough to be used.
  • Reports & issue briefs
  • Federal & state policy analysis
  • Black-household impact analysis
  • Data interpretation & framing
02
Thought Leadership & Editorial
Op-eds, bylined commentary, and ghostwritten thought leadership that put a credible voice into the public debate — in the right venue, at the right moment.
  • Op-eds & bylined pieces
  • Ghostwritten commentary
  • Editorial strategy
  • Voice & message development
03
Narrative & Communications Strategy
Knowing what to say isn’t the same as knowing how to move a conversation. Strategies that translate research into narrative change.
  • Message & framing
  • Messenger & venue strategy
  • Campaign sequencing
  • Narrative change roadmaps
04
Policy Engagement & Coalition Strategy
Two decades of relationships across Congress, the Administration, advocates, philanthropy, and the private sector — translated into engagement that gives your agenda real weight.
  • Congressional & executive engagement
  • Coalition design & convenings
  • Stakeholder mapping
  • Cross-sector strategy
05
Interim Leadership & Organizational Strategy
Interim executive leadership and organizational strategy for mission-driven organizations navigating transitions or high-stakes moments.
  • Interim executive roles
  • Leadership transitions
  • Organizational positioning
  • Strategic direction to increase impact

Who I Work With

Organizations serious about moving the work

Advocacy & Membership Organizations
That need rigorous analysis without an in-house economics team.
Philanthropy & Funders
Shaping economic-justice, workforce, or wealth-building portfolios.
Mission-Aligned Businesses & Trade Groups
Engaging economic policy debates with both rigor and reach.
Nonprofit Leaders & Boards
Navigating transitions or high-stakes organizational moments.
Academic Researchers & Institutions
Translating academic research into policy-ready analysis and public impact.

Engagement

How We Can Work Together

Project-Based
A defined deliverable with a fixed scope and fee — a report, a brief, a strategy.
Retainer
Ongoing capacity for a set monthly commitment — editorial, advisory, engagement strategy, interim leadership.
Advisory Rate
Flexible support for work that’s hard to scope in advance — daily or by engagement.
Start a Conversation

Media & Press

A Trusted
National Voice

Jessica is a go-to expert for journalists and producers covering economic policy, Black labor markets, racial equity, and the federal decisions shaping economic opportunity in America. Her commentary is clear, credible, and grounded in nearly two decades of policy work.

Available for interviews, expert commentary, op-eds, and panel appearances across print, broadcast, digital, and podcast formats.

Request an Interview

Featured In

The New York Times
NPR
CNN
Associated Press
Washington Post
MSNBC
Axios
The 19th
Essence
Black Enterprise
The Hill
Washingtonian

Selected Features

Washingtonian · Honor May 2025
Washington D.C.’s 500 Most Influential People of 2025
Named among Washington’s most influential figures in racial and economic equity.
Read the feature
CNN Newsroom · Live TV Sept 2025
On CNN with Fredricka Whitfield: The Jobs Report & Black Unemployment
Live television interview unpacking the August 2025 jobs report and what rising Black unemployment signals for the broader economy.
Watch the interview
The New York Times March 2025
Trump Says a Recession Might Be Worth the Cost. Economists Disagree.
Quoted on the economic costs of tariff policy and the risk of a self-inflicted downturn.
Read the article
Associated Press Nov 2024
The Rising Price of Paying the National Debt
Expert analysis on how rising debt-service costs reshape the federal budget and what that means for working families.
Read the article
The 19th Jan 2026
Black Women’s Unemployment Rate Skyrocketed in 2025
Quoted on the structural forces driving the sharpest spike in Black women’s unemployment in years.
Read the article
The Hill · Op-Ed April 2022
Senate Shouldn’t Hesitate on Earned Income Tax Credit
Bylined op-ed making the case for expanded EITC eligibility and the impact for low-wage workers.
Read the op-ed

Speaking

Bringing Expertise
to Every Stage

Jessica is an experienced and in-demand speaker who translates complex economic research into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers, advocates, funders, and public audiences.

She brings clarity, warmth, and rigor to every stage — connecting data to lived experience and inspiring action on economic policy that works for everyone.

Speaking Topics

  • Race & Economic Policy
  • Black Labor Markets & Unemployment
  • Federal Tax Policy & the EITC
  • The Racial Wealth Gap
  • Diversity in Government & DEI
  • Black Women in Economics
  • The Federal Budget & Black Communities

Available for keynotes, panel discussions, conference presentations, and organizational workshops.

Book Jessica to Speak

Speaker Reel

LinkedIn · Featured Clip
The Increasing Black Unemployment Rate
Jessica unpacks why the rising Black unemployment rate matters for the broader economy and what policymakers should be paying attention to.
Watch on LinkedIn

Recent Engagements

Sept
2025
CNN Newsroom with Fredricka Whitfield
Live television — jobs report & Black unemployment
Jan
2025
The Electorette Podcast
Featured guest — the budget bill & Black economic exclusion
April
2024
Racial Disparities in Tax Subsidies for Homeownership
Keynote speaker — Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center
Oct
2021
NPR Weekend Edition
On-air guest — racial equity proposals & the spending bill

Work With Jessica

Ready to Make
an Impact?

Whether you’re shaping a policy agenda, looking for expert commentary, or planning your next event — here’s how to get in touch.

  • 01
    Consulting Inquiries
    Research & analysis, thought leadership, narrative strategy, policy engagement, interim leadership, and development.
  • 02
    Media Requests
    TV, radio, podcast, and print interviews; expert commentary; bylined op-eds.
  • 03
    Speaking & Events
    Keynotes, panels, conference presentations, and organizational workshops.
Send an Inquiry

Pick the option that fits, and your email will open with the subject line ready to go.

Media Inquiry
Interviews, commentary, op-eds
→
Speaking Inquiry
Keynotes, panels, conferences
→
Consulting Inquiry
Research, advisory, agenda development
→
Or email directly: jessica@jessicajfulton.com