Chess Jakobs

Head of Programming

Chess Jakobs (@chessjakobs | they/them) is an environmental social scientist, philanthropist, and organizational strategy leader who has built programs and initiatives across the climate, technology, and non-profit sectors. From mobilizing millions of dollars for social impact to producing creative projects across media, film, theatre, and live events, Chess is known for being a utility strategist who generates impact while centering human experience.

Chess started their career leading community engagement at a small arts organization in New York City, and then went on to build programs at Niantic Labs, most known as the producer of PokémonGO. Following an exciting tenure in the tech industry, Chess was hired by Culture Amp, the performance and culture platform, to be the Founding Executive Director of the Culture Amp Foundation. As the lead of the foundation, Chess ushered over $15M in technology contributions to organizations and companies committed to social good.

Chess received the Ford’s Legacy Commission for New Play Development from Ford’s Theatre Society, a National Park Historic Site. Chess’s poem Sum of Steps was featured in Issue 03 of the Peace and Riot Magazine.

A practitioner of community building, Chess is the founder of Black Men in Climate, a City Lead for Out in Climate, and a Network Leadership Fellow with Justice Outside. Chess served as a Co-Organizer of Partnerships and Outreach for the Inaugural DC Climate Week, and produced Season of Dissent: Live from NYC Climate Week for Counterstream Media in 2024.

As a PhD at University of Maryland - College Park, Chess is exploring the relationship between humans and the natural and built environment. Chess received the MLK Spirit Award for Leadership and Excellence from their Alma Mater, University of Michigan, in 2018.