Announcing Bright Promises' SEL Expert in Residence - Jess Vann

At Bright Promises Foundation, we believe that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is essential for helping individuals, families, and communities thrive. That’s why we’re proud to introduce both our new SEL Expert in Residence, Jess Vann, and the launch of the  Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub—a free, online platform offering high-quality, culturally relevant SEL resources for families, educators, and community organizations across Illinois.

What is the Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub?

The Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub is a collaboration between Bright Promises Foundation and community partners to promote social and emotional well-being. The hub offers:

• SEL videos, articles, and curricula
• Family activities and journaling prompts
• Bilingual resources (English and Spanish)
• Tools for children, youth, and adults

Explore the hub: Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub: Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub

‍SEL Expert in Residence: Jess Vann

In partnership with Illinois Afterschool Network, we welcome Jess Vann, a Chicago-based actor, speaker, and SEL advocate—as our next SEL Expert in Residence. With over 15 years in youth development and nonprofit leadership, Jess brings a unique blend of creativity, storytelling, and social impact to her work.

"Social Emotional Learning is my passion. It lives at the intersection of everything I love: storytelling, leadership, and building authentic human connection. - Jess Vann

Jess believes Social Emotional Learning is essential because it touches every part of our human experience. For the individual, SEL cultivates self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and decision-making. These are lifelong tools that shape our confidence, relationships, and sense of purpose.

For families, SEL provides a shared language for connection, healing, and support. It helps caregivers and youth navigate emotions, set healthy boundaries, and build trust—especially across generational or cultural lines where communication may look or feel different.

Jess' Expert Resources

Jess has shared her expert resources with Bright Promises, focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), these resources are designed to be both comprehensive and accessible, providing tools to promote emotional well-being:

• Jess Vann Reads: Sage Does Pilates [Video Storytime]
• Game: What Are You Doing? [Cirricula]
• Connection Jar Family Activity [Handout]
• ‍5 Writing Prompts for Family Journaling [Handout]

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Find MorE on THE Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub

The Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub is an integral part of the Bright Promises Foundation's mission to expand access to high-quality, culturally relevant SEL tools.  

We encourage you to explore the resources on the Bright Communities SEL Resource Hub and begin your journey toward building a more emotionally aware and connected community. Together, we can promote emotional intelligence, empower individuals, and foster positive relationships that benefit everyone.