AGE: 26 | HEIGHT: 5'6" | HOMETOWN: TORONTO
Born and raised in the northern Albertan community of Cold Lake, Jessica holds the values of community involvement, family and volunteerism close to her heart.
From a young age, Jessica has had a strong interest in international affairs and global relations. As a high school student, she attended the Forum for Young Albertans and the Seminar for the United Nations and International Affairs. It wasn’t until much later that her adventurous spirit got its first taste of international aid work, though. In 2006, Jessica volunteered with Youth Challenge International, a development organization that meets the needs of youth affected by poverty. Working with a team ni-Vanuatu, Australian and Canadian volunteers, she spent six weeks helping to construct an elementary school in Vanuatu. Her team also facilitated sexual reproductive health and environmental education workshops.
Jessica’s time in Vanuatu caused her to not only become more involved in her global community, but in her local community as well. She began volunteering with Ryerson University’s Tri-Mentoring program, The Eyeopener (a student newspaper), as well as with McClung’s Magazine: Ryerson’s Voice for Women. As the co-Editor-in-Chief, she mentored and led 40 student volunteers to produce the feminist magazine. In 2008, as a result of her on-campus commitment, Jess was awarded the Ryerson Students Services Leadership Award. Today, her volunteerism continues with time lent to causes such as Journalists for Human Rights, Athletes for Africa and the Ontario Council for International Cooperation.
Jessica’s experience in Vanuatu also paved the way for the start of a career in international development. Upon graduating from Ryerson’s Bachelor of Journalism program, Jessica joined the Youth Challenge International team, where she contributed to the organization’s youth health, leadership and livelihoods programs.
In October 2010, she returned to the field, this time participating in a two-week humanitarian mission in Guyana. Working with Ve’ahavta, a Jewish humanitarian organization, she supported a medical team in providing health services to underserviced Amerindian communities.
Jessica strongly believes that young people have the power to effect positive change in their global and local communities through their innovation, their energy and their ambition.
When Jessica’s not exploring the globe, she loves trivia, playing Scrabble with friends, working out and baking. She also loves to write. The Canadian University Press, the Ontario Press Council Awards and the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association Awards have all recognized her work. Most recently, her published work appeared in She’s Shameless: Women write about growing up, rocking out and fighting back, an anthology for young women.
Sponsored by: Czehoski, Crumpler Canada, Capital Espresso & Pastries, Flirty Girl Fitness, The Toronto Star, Wilshire Fashions, Family and Friends.
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