Jaylin Drewry’ MPA

Jaylin Drewry is a political and civic engagement strategist whose work spans leadership, advocacy, and strategy at the intersection of youth empowerment and democracy work. His leadership journey began at Norfolk State University, where he earned recognition from the White House for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and later represented all Virginia higher education students on the State Council of Higher Education, cementing his commitment to lifting up young leaders.

Today, Jaylin serves as the inaugural Chairman of Portsmouth, Virginia’s Crime and Gun Violence Prevention Commission, becoming the youngest chairman in the city’s history. In this role, he leads community based solutions to address and prevent gun violence in his hometown. He also serves as Director of Operations for SigmaPAC (Political Action Committee) 1914, the official political action committee for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., where he helps shape national political engagement strategies. In addition, Jaylin leads national HBCU and state specific initiatives at the Fair Election Center’s Campus Vote Project, where he builds student leadership pipelines and advances civic engagement across the country.

Beyond public service, Jaylin is the founder of JSD Strategies LLC and the For The People Foundation, both dedicated to youth leadership development, advocacy, and innovative solutions for communities and HBCUs nationwide. His influence extends into national civic and fraternal leadership as a member of the Governmental Relations Board of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., representing hundreds of thousands of members globally. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Beyond the Ballot, a national youth focused political engagement organization.

Jaylin holds a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Norfolk State University, a Master’s in Public Administration from Old Dominion University, and is pursuing a Doctorate in Public Policy.