I had the pleasure of hearing Jess speak twice in one day!

In the morning she gave a very moving keynote address at the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce Business Education Conference. The room was filled with several business leaders in our community, who, especially in the last few years, have struggled with an economic downturn. Jess’ inspirational story about her family struggles with addiction, poverty, and, at one-point homelessness; and her ability to not only survive, but to truly push herself to THRIVE really put the room’s business issues and problems into perspective. Her message revealed that with drive and work ethic, we all have an innate skill to overcome adversity, take chances, and to step out of our comfort zone for the sake of our passions!

Another take away from the morning was Jess’ dedication to the communities she does business in. Giving back to those who have supported you and your business – not only with good hard work in the form of a product or service, but personally as well goes a long way. Not only is it good for your business, she relayed, but it is good for your soul.

I am also one of the founders of the 100+ Women Who Care Lloydminster group, and, lucky for us, we had our very 1st Awards night scheduled the day Jess was booked to speak at the Chamber of Commerce event. Jess has participated, presented and has had her foundation awarded by the Saskatoon 100 Women Who Care group, and really has an appreciation for what this “Giving Circle” concept of philanthropy can do for charities as well as in building a “community of caring”.

Jess very graciously accepted our request to speak at our event (free of charge, I might add), even though the Chamber of Commerce event ended at noon, and our evening event did not start until 7:00 pm. She spoke very passionately about the effect her involvement with the Saskatoon group had on her, her charity and the city of Saskatoon as a whole, and praised our ladies for getting out and giving back. Since the event, many members of our group have posted messages on social media to Jess – thanking her for coming and for her message, and she has been very quick to respond with a kind word.

In meeting Jess, it is very evident she is so much more than a savvy business person, she is a mom, a wife, a sister and a daughter who loves her family, she is a philanthropist, and she is a genuinely nice, caring and giving person.

Sherri Stephens
Integra Engineering Ltd.