Jessie Yankee is the Vice President of Programs for the Association of Women's Business Centers, focused on program development, advocacy, and capacity building for Women's Business Centers nationwide. Previously she was the Director of the Missouri Women's Business Center, focused on economic inclusion and access to capital for the historically underserved. Jessie holds a lifelong passion for equitable small business development and entrepreneurship for women, and previously owned and operated an award-winning commercial IT business.  Jessie is also a mother of two, Benny (11), and Ella (9).

Jessie grew up in Bethalto, Illinois, and later attended the University of Missouri, majoring in Business Administration. She then completed her MBA at William Woods University.