As a history major with a passion for civics and public service, Jill Eisenberg never envisioned she would one day discover her calling in children’s publishing.

Coming from the suburbs of Boston, she was attracted to the University of Richmond’s close-knit campus, strong sense of community, and proximity to the nation's capital. She arrived at Richmond 20 years ago and immersed herself in everything the campus offered — attending lectures and academic programs and participating in almost every activity she discovered through daily emails.

Eisenberg also fell in love with studying abroad. One defining experience came during the fall semester of her junior year when she was in Nanjing. She had previously traveled to China for a summer opportunity in Beijing. “I really wanted to be in an environment that would expose me to different perspectives and opportunities,” said Eisenberg, who minored in the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program and Chinese, a new language after years of Latin in high school.

“Richmond’s commitment to getting students abroad just blew me away.”

Eisenberg seized every opportunity to explore the world beyond Virginia's borders. In addition to China, she spent a summer touring historical civil rights sites across the American South and another summer in the Czech Republic and Poland. All sponsored through the University, these immersive experiences broadened her horizons and solidified her belief in the power of representation and diverse narratives.

“I realized how much history we all still don’t know,” she said. “There were figures who had been ignored, misrepresented, or just not discovered beyond their own communities. I knew I wanted to be a part of changing that."

Eisenberg applied for a Fulbright fellowship and secured a one-year teaching position in Taiwan. She then joined Teach for America, where she taught third grade in San Jose, California. Although she didn’t realize it at the time, some of the materials she used in her lessons were published by what would become her future employer. Eisenberg regularly incorporated Lee & Low books into her teaching, using many titles that resonated deeply with her students.

After moving to New York with her soon-to-be husband, she discovered an opportunity to work with the publisher, enabling her to apply her classroom experiences to help other teachers use these books effectively in their lesson plans. “These books have made a real difference in the lives of my students,” she said. “That made the connection for me even more special and intimate.”

At first, Eisenberg supported the in-house sales team, helping to align the publisher’s offerings with the evolving academic landscape. Today as vice president of business development, she oversees new business development, forging partnerships with literacy nonprofits, wholesalers, and distributors. The books are widely available, not only through educational channels, and most are designed for elementary and middle school students.

One of her favorite Lee & Low books remains Baseball Saved Us, the first title the publisher released in 1993. The book, which depicts the experiences of Japanese Americans in internment camps during World War II, has won numerous awards and remains a beloved classic for generations of readers.

"That book is a perfect example of how we can make history come alive for young readers," Eisenberg said. "It’s a story that everyone should know, not just a niche audience. And the way it’s told, through the eyes of a child, makes it so accessible and impactful."

As she continues to champion Lee & Low's mission, Eisenberg is grateful for the experiences she took advantage of at the University of Richmond.

“Richmond prepared me in so many ways, from the resources and support to the emphasis on critical thinking and analysis,” she said. “I learned how to ask for help, how to seek out opportunities, and how to make the most of every experience.”

Eisenberg balances her work at Lee & Low with raising three young sons. She enjoys reading her company’s books to her children.

“This is more than just a job for me,” she added. “It’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of young readers – to open their eyes to the rich tapestry of human experience. And I’m honored to be a part of that journey.”