Jessica Soares is a strategic thinker with expertise in architecture, planning, marketing, and communications. As Business Development Manager at Dattner Architects, she leads new business initiatives, prepositioning, and proposal strategy across Higher Education, Institutional, K-12, and Healthcare sectors. Her previous professional experience includes roles at global firms like SOM and boutique architecture and planning firms in New York City. She is an active member of several industry organizations including SCUP, AMFP and the New York Building Congress.

Jessica was born and raised in Brazil, where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture and Urbanism and became a licensed architect. As a Fulbright Scholar and recipient of the Brazilian Science Mobility Program scholarship, she studied at The New School, where she explored the intersection of design and communications — a transformative experience that inspired her to pivot her career.

Jessica is deeply committed to the education community, having worked as an ESL teacher in Brazil and mentored immigrant youth through NYC non-profits. A dedicated advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, she has contributed to DEI efforts in every firm she has worked for and within the broader industry.