Violet Pitsker, MSW
Evaluator and Trainer
Jess’ work in grassroots organizing began in their youth as an activist in the so-called Delaware Valley (Phila., Pa). Forged by necessary engagement in mutual aid, intergroup dialogue, local politics and global social justice movements, Jess has a distinct method of engaging people and organizations. Their Professional endeavors as an organizer and educator culminated in 2013 as an intern discerning a call to public ministry with the Leaven Community, in Portland Oregon’s historic Albina District.
In recent years they have blended all this together into a gift for qualitative research, discourse analysis and advising. Jess’ positionality makes them acutely aware of the inter-connectedness of pressures experienced by marginalized groups, which is uniquely helpful in social impact strategy work. Their experience and interests include Participatory Research Methods, Early Childhood through Post-Secondary Education, & Prison Abolition.
The most prominent theoretical frameworks in Jess' process are the Relational Worldview and Critical Theory, Fugitive Planning and Black Study. Jess holds a Master of Social Work; Community Based Practice from Portland State University, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Civic Leadership.
Evaluator and Grant Writer
Violet began her nonprofit career at Outside In, where she worked for over six years in behavioral healthcare for youth experiencing homelessness. Her call to macro social work came when she realized that her clients often presented with problems caused by larger structures and ecosystems outside of their control. She became involved with strategic planning efforts and union organizing at Outside In, leading focus groups and organizational assessments to offer her unique perspective. At Portland State University, Violet worked in research and program evaluation at the Regional Research Institute, working on federal grants and projects alongside Jess.
Since graduation, she has been working as a freelance qualitative researcher and contract grant writer, with a portfolio of foundation grants. Violet is the recipient of a 2026 McCormack Writing Center Scholarship for emerging writers, and publishes her fiction in various literary magazines. She is bilingual (English/Spanish) with a passion for organizations doing work in LGBTQ+ advocacy and with youth populations. She holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College.
Jess Stephan, MSW
“Violet and Jess have been wonderful partners on several evaluation initiatives. They are true collaborators with strong technical expertise and a commitment to centering community voices in evaluation from start to finish. Any organization or coalition who is looking to maximize their community impact, strengthen service delivery, or drive data-driven policy development would benefit from their expertise."
– Katie Shammel, MSW; Research Analyst
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© Violet Pitsker and Jess Stephan, 2026
