Jessica holds a PhD in Sociology and Anthropology from the University Paris VII – Denis Diderot in France (thesis obtained with honors). She holds a M.A in Migrations and Interethnic Relations from the same university. She was a fellow of the Research Institute for Development (IRD) in France.

She has worked in academia, in France and in Colombia, where she has developed research on the construction of the State, social movements, and the collective participation of peasants and ethnic groups. She has also worked with international NGOs and as a human rights consultant.

She currently works as the Director of the International Area of Dejusticia.