The University of Michigan's Center for the Education of Women+ names MPP student Jessica Morschakov as a Margaret Dow Towsley Scholar.
“For me, success means making a tangible difference through my work in philanthropy, community development, or fundraising, all while setting an example of hard work and purpose for my daughters.”
Jessica Morschakov left home at fourteen to become a ballerina. For several years she worked as a professional dancer in a ballet company, which instilled in her a set of core values: strong work ethic, empathy for others, and resilience. But a career-ending injury sent her back to Michigan at only 20 years old. There, Jessica established the Academy of Russian Ballet, which she directed for the next 16 years. Jessica also founded RAI, a non-profit dedicated to promoting the performing arts through educational opportunities, performances, cultural experiences, and community engagement. In these roles, Jessica successfully managed international exchange programs, produced major ballet productions, and implemented community outreach initiatives that reached thousands of children in metro Detroit.
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Jessica’s businesses to close, her extraordinary resilience allowed Jessica to see this as an opportunity to earn a college degree. In 2021, she entered the sports management program at UM-Ann Arbor. Two years later, Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree as a James B. Angell Scholar with University Honors, and she was accepted into the master of public policy program at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, where she is currently supported by a Merit Fellowship. Just before entering the program, Jessica was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA while navigating her illness.
Through it all, Jessica has been a full-time caregiver for her three daughters and her mother, who is living with a long-term illness. She writes, “For me, success means making a tangible difference through my work in philanthropy, community development, or fundraising, all while setting an example of hard work and purpose for my daughters.” Jessica would like to thank her husband, daughters, mother, and U-M for their endless support and encouragement.
Story from the University of Michigan's Center for the Education of Women+