Jessie
Zealand

Though early in her professional journey, Jessie Zealand brings years of hands-on experience and a deeply personal sense of purpose to every role she takes on. The founding vision behind Compass & Cause was born in large part from Jessie’s desire to connect people, places, and purpose in ways that reflect her own life, one shaped by the rhythms of trail racing, the realities of profound autism, and the call to create space for others.

Raised among aid stations, trail markers, and post-race celebrations, Jessie has worked at some of the toughest endurance events in the country and now serves as the Volunteer Director for the Grindstone Trail Running Festival by UTMB. Her organizational clarity and ability to lead with empathy make her a trusted presence both on and off the course. At home in the mountains, she’s also a gifted athlete in her own right – an NCAA Division I runner, multi-time academic honor roll recipient, and the overall women’s champion of the Terrapin Mountain Half Marathon in 2022.

Jessie’s commitment to this work is as personal as it is professional. As the younger sister of a brother with profound autism, she grew up navigating the unseen challenges many families quietly face. Her closeness with Coleman has shaped her heart for inclusion, her attention to nuance, and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of nature. Family and friends affectionately call her the “Coleman whisperer,” a nod to the deep connection and calm she brings when words fall short.

With trail-tested grit and a heart for advocacy, Jessie represents a new generation of leadership, one that blends compassion with conviction and continues to shape the future of Compass & Cause.