Meet Jesse Davy: Guiding Young Men into Leadership with Purpose, Compassion, and Courage

July 7, 2025

As we prepare to launch the inaugural cohort of Young Men Rising this fall, we are thrilled to introduce the program’s architect and facilitator: Jesse Davy.

Jesse brings a rare and powerful blend of lived experience, professional rigor, and heart-centered leadership. Raised in Norfolk, Nebraska, Jesse’s path has carried him through child welfare, public health, long-term youth mentorship, and now—into the transformative space of leadership development for young men.

Currently, Jesse leads community-wide health improvement planning for the city of Lincoln, collaborating with over 100 partner organizations and local healthcare systems. With a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and oversight of performance management, strategic planning, and workforce development for a staff of 185, Jesse’s work is steeped in systems-level thinking.

But Jesse’s leadership is not only strategic—it’s deeply relational.

Before entering public health, Jesse spent a decade in one of the world’s largest child welfare organizations, including seven years living onsite with his wife and family, providing long-term, evidence-based care to over 35 adolescent girls. The first three years were dedicated to training, writing, and presenting across the U.S. and Canada. This experience—intimate, intense, and relationally rigorous—infused Jesse’s leadership with profound empathy and humility.

A father of four (ages 10 to 19), Jesse carries the rhythms of fatherhood into his work with care and integrity. His parenting, mentorship, and professional life all reflect a commitment to cultivating environments where young people are seen, supported, and inspired to grow into their full selves.

This fall, Jesse will facilitate the first cohort of Young Men Rising, a new sibling program to our beloved Root2Rise (now entering its fourth year). The curriculum he designed encourages young men to explore purpose, vulnerability, relational responsibility, and courage—not through performance or competition, but through honest conversation, critical reflection, and mutual support.

“Jesse brings the kind of grounded leadership our world needs: relationally wise, intellectually sharp, and deeply committed to the flourishing of youth. We’re beyond honored to have him stewarding this new offering.”
— Snow-Redfern Foundation

As we move toward the launch of Young Men Rising, we invite our community to join us in lifting up Jesse’s work and the young men who will soon rise with him. The journey begins this fall—and we can’t wait to witness what unfolds.

About Snow-Redfern Foundation
The Snow-Redfern Foundation believes that all young people deserve the chance to grow, lead, and thrive. We work across Nebraska to support youth through partnerships, grantmaking, and programs that lift up youth voice, community wisdom, and shared leadership. By building strong relationships and investing in youth-led change, we help create a better future for everyone.

To learn more or make a donation, visit www.snowredfern.org.