Jessi McQuerrey is the Director of Programs at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) Foundation. For over 40 years, the ABI Foundation has served Iowans through educational programs that promote civic engagement and strengthen the state’s workforce. Their initiatives include Business Horizons Leadership Iowa University, Leadership Iowa, and Elevate Advanced Manufacturing. At Business Horizons, a five-day summer program for high school students, participants launch a mock business, gaining valuable insights into the costs of starting a business. The program also includes personal finance education, where students learn about scholarships, saving, and budgeting, with guidance from financial literacy expert Adam Carroll.
The ABI Foundation has long partnered with organizations such as Junior Achievement, the Iowa Society of CPAs, and Iowa Jump$tart, all of which help provide year-round financial literacy programs. These partnerships enhance there sources available to students, teachers, and businesses in Iowa, ensuring more opportunities for financial education.
Since joining the ABI Foundation in 2014, Jessi has managed various leadership and education programs, connecting students, professionals, and businesses across the state. She strives to create shared experiences that develop future leaders and bridge the gap between education and industry. Her work includes representing the Foundation among education-focused stakeholder groups to ensure business perspectives are included in educational discussions.
Jessi is proud to be a longtime partner of Iowa Jump$tart. She values the collaboration, noting that no single organization can address all educational needs on its own. Partnerships like this help create equitable access to high-quality financial literacy programming, which is crucial for preparing a future-ready workforce.
Outside of her work in financial literacy, Jessi enjoys volunteering in education and leadership development. She also loves spending time with her husband, KJ, their dog, Jack, and exploring local shops and restaurants in West Des Moines.
Iowa Jump$tart Coalition 