Stories of Impact – SPARK!: Jessica Lefkowitz
This Story of Impact highlights Jessica Lefkowitz, a 2024 Spark Award Recipient. You can learn more about the Women’s Impact Fund Spark Awards here.
Jessica Lefkowitz, Founder and Executive Director of Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition, was in the inaugural class of Spark recipients in 2024. Her nomination highlighted that Jessica “is a fierce and tireless advocate for unhoused individuals in Charlotte…She works in the rain, late at night, on the weekends, and in meeting after meeting with elected officials, the City, and the County to advocate for more resources, funding, and housing to end homelessness in our community.”
When asked where she finds the time for rest and rejuvenation, Jessica readily admits that she is terrible at taking vacation. In fact, were it not for the Spark Award, she would never have booked a trip to rest and spend time away from work.
Jessica’s involvement with and connection to Women’s Impact Fund (WIF) goes beyond the Spark Award. In 2026, Hearts for the Invisible was a finalist for a WIF Human Services Grant. WIF member Hannah Little, who was on the Human Services Grants Committee, says of the site visit, “we huddled in her office on one of the coldest days of the year…her organization’s mission and commitment to ethical urgency in meeting their clients’ needs resonated and touched each of us. It was clear that Jessica and her team ensure that each person they serve is truly seen and heard in a meaningful way.”
In May, Jessica and Hannah ran into each other at WIF’s annual meeting. Hannah was hoping that Jessica would have a chance to feel affirmed and celebrated; however, Jessica’s heart was heavy with concern over funding instability for the organization and how she would make payroll for her talented and committed team. Sensing she was struggling to be present, Hannah encouraged her to go home and take care of herself.
Hannah followed up a couple of days later with a heartfelt email that provided the exact words of encouragement and support that Jessica needed to persevere as a leader. Carrying the weight of the organization, and the livelihoods of her team, she felt quite isolated, but Hannah’s email reminded her she was not alone. “That level of kindness and care from a person whom I did not know well was incredibly meaningful,” says Jessica.
Shortly afterwards, Jessica received word that Hearts for the Invisible would be receiving significant funding to secure the future of the organization and their important work eradicating housing inequities for people experiencing homelessness. While the WIF grant also helped financially, Jessica notes that the organization has given her so much more.
“Through the Spark Award and the grant process, I’ve met women who genuinely care about the people doing this work in addition to the organizations we lead,” says Jessica. “The relationships and moments of connection I’ve experienced through WIF have reminded me how important it is to have a community around you as a leader. The funding helps make our work possible, but the people I’ve met through WIF have also helped sustain me personally.”
Learn more about Jessica—and all the 2024 Spark Award Recipients—here.
