Biography
Jasmine joined the Economic Policy Institute in 2023 as a Senior State Policy Coordinator for the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN). She is a friend, advocate, scholar and servant leader. An advocate for removing systemic barriers, she seeks to identify opportunities to combat intergenerational poverty, bolster socioeconomic mobility and increase equity. Her key focus areas are economic empowerment, worker’s rights, housing and social determinants of health.
She has experience conducting research and advocating at the local, state and federal level holding positions at a plethora of non-profits, government agencies and campaigns. Previously she worked in the United States House of Representatives, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, CARE, the Atlanta Community Food Bank as well as several other community-centered organizations. Committed to community involvement, Payne has served on various boards including the Swinney Foundation as the Public Policy chair and as president of her homeowner’s association. Believing that everyone can be a catalyst for change, she believes that “we are the ones that we have been waiting for.”
Education
Master of Public Administration with a Concentration in Urban Planning and Economic Development, Georgia State University
Bachelor of Arts in English, Spelman College