TDSB & Me is a staff storytelling series that celebrates the people who help our schools and workplaces thrive. Each profile recognizes the everyday leadership, creativity, and care that shapes our system and supports student success.
Jessica Dalinda
Coordinator
Educational and Business Partnerships
Jessica Dalinda approaches her work in the Educational and Business Partnerships department with a positive attitude that is centered around a shared goal: making sure students have what they need to feel supported, included, and ready to learn. Drawing on experience from previous roles in communications, fundraising, and organizational coordination, Jessica focuses on listening, building connections, and supporting the people and processes that ultimately benefit students.
Much of Jessica’s work focuses on fostering equity, removing barriers, and supporting student well-being and belonging. She helps manage and support the fundraising portfolio, sharing best practices and guiding schools through the Fundraising Policy and Ministry School Fundraising Guidelines so they can focus their energy on supporting students. She also helps coordinate the acceptable list of fundraising vendors, making it easier for school communities to access trusted options that support their goals.
“The key to our team’s success is relationship-building,” says Jessica. “Our internal and external partners make this work possible, and it’s those relationships that allow us to better support students.”
Jessica has supported system-wide initiatives such as the Winter Outerwear Drive and the Backpack and School Supplies Drive, both of which help ensure students arrive at school feeling prepared, supported, and a sense of belonging. She also assists with grant promotion, helping schools and central offices identify funding opportunities that can enhance student experiences and learning environments.
“Not everyone starts from the same place,” says Jessica. “Things that feel normal or easy for some people like having warm clothes, school supplies, or stable support can be difficult for others. When we recognize privilege, we’re better able to notice gaps, respond with empathy, and build relationships that help level the playing field.”
Another important part of Jessica’s work involves stewarding donors whose ongoing generosity helps meet student needs across the system. She approaches this work with gratitude and care, recognizing that these relationships, supported by colleagues across the system help sustain programs and resources that directly impact students.
Jessica is always quick to acknowledge that this work is collective. She credits her department and the many staff across the system who collaborate, share expertise, and support one another in service of students. Her thoughtful, relationship-based approach helps connect people and ideas in ways that make the work more effective and meaningful.
Through her commitment to collaboration, care, and student well-being, Jessica contributes to a culture where students are supported not just academically, but as whole individuals.
