HER STORY

Rooted in community & experience.

Jess has always been drawn to groups—both as a participant and a leader. From Girl Scouts and team sports to coaching, mentoring, and creating youth programs, she developed a deep appreciation for teamwork and group dynamics. She founded a middle school science club for students needing extra support and later created a 4-H club focused on Florida’s fresh foods and native trees.

Community has always been central to her life. Growing up—and now raising her family—in the same neighborhood, she helped organize residents and local officials to address persistent flooding, bringing people together to work toward shared solutions. Across these experiences, one thing became clear: she is driven by helping people come together to learn, solve problems, and move forward.

Jess Stempien founded Rooted in Process to help organizations create the conditions for meaningful connection and collaboration. With more than 20 years of experience working in environmental, conservation, government, nonprofit, and community settings, Jess designs and facilitates collaborative processes that help groups communicate clearly, think strategically, and make decisions together.

Jess’s facilitation style is grounded in participatory methods that create space for multiple perspectives while providing enough structure to keep groups moving toward outcomes.