Why Well-Being Matters for DEI

Jessica Tollette

Senior Specialist for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Innovation for Poverty Action (IPA)

Dr. Jessica Tollette is an adjunct professor at IE Business School and Innovation for Poverty Action’s (IPA) Senior Specialist for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) where she leads the organization’s global DEI strategy. Prior to joining IPA, Dr. Tollette was the founding academic director of IE University’s Bachelor in Behavior and Social Sciences. In addition to her role as academic director, she is an award-winning professor and collaborator with IE’s Africa Center and Center for Health, Wellbeing, and Happiness where she led research on diversity and inclusion and has taught seminars on kindness, empathy, and compassion. She also has experience teaching courses in research methods, diversity and cross-cultural understanding, race, gender, education, communication skills, and behavioral science. Dr. Tollette previously received several awards and grants to conduct research, including a Fulbright grant to Spain. Her dissertation investigated immigration policy, immigrant integration, and intergroup relations in Madrid. She has an MA and a PhD in Sociology from Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude with a BA from the University of Pennsylvania in Communication and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys live music, a tough workout, travel, podcasts, practicing mindfulness and spending time with her family in California.