After completing a degree in Global Development Studies from Seattle Pacific University, Jamie moved to East Africa for 5 years, to work in various nonprofits, across Uganda and Tanzania. 

In Arusha, Tanzania, Jamie filled the role of Sponsor Correspondence Coordinator, at The School of St Jude, before moving to Jinja, Uganda to work as the Supply Chain Manager, with the Akola Project. 

During her time there, The Akola Project worked with low-income women, in both Uganda and the US, in jewelry production, and wellness programs. The jewelry was sold in Akola’s flagship store in Dallas, Texas, online, and in over 350 boutiques around the US. 

At the end of 2016, Jamie and her husband moved back to her home state of Washington, where she joined Water from Wine as the Executive Director. Water from Wine had been founded two years prior, but the first vintage was just being released for sale, in December of 2016.