Zainab Okolo

Zainab Okolo is a nationally recognized leader in higher education policy and youth mental health, driven by a deep commitment to student well-being and systemic change. As the senior vice president of policy, advocacy, and government relations at The Jed Foundation (JED), Okolo leads efforts to shape federal and state-level policy, mobilize coalitions, and secure sustainable investments in mental health and suicide prevention for young people across the country.

A trauma-informed licensed clinician and seasoned policy strategist, she brings over a decade of experience in higher education research, student services, and cross-sector advocacy. Under her leadership, JED has expanded its impact with groundbreaking initiatives—including state mental health policy summits, national convenings, and the launch of the Youth Advocacy Coalition, which centers youth voices in policymaking.

Okolo holds a doctorate in education from The George Washington University (DC), a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Syracuse University (NY), and a bachelor’s degree in family science from the University of Maryland, College Park.