“I've known Jes in a variety of ways - classmate, colleague, accomplice, friend - and I can say that their brilliance and passion surfaces in everything they do. They are the type of person you want on your team because they make clear with word and work when they believe in your vision. You will meet few people in this life who care deeply for others, consider what is just, and educate themselves on the people, places, and things that can be engaged to dismantle oppression like Jes does.”

- Alicia Crosby, Co-Founder of Center for Inclusivity

I would recommend any workshop or training where Jes is facilitating. Their approach, knowledge, openness, and honesty will enhance your understanding of your communities and the role you can play in making positive change.

- Workshop Participant

“I believe that the concept of everyone having access to doing what is easy for them, what they are naturally inclined to do and what makes them happy is an essential building block of creating a new and sustainable ecosystem for our species to coexist with each other and with the rest of nature - Jes embodies this concept with their ability to connect individuals for the purpose of building complementary relationships. They have an innate ability to know which connections will create more resources and bring about a stronger community that has the potential to consistently regenerate itself. They are my favorite bee.”

- J. Emmett

“Jes had an accessible, informative, and patient approach.”

- Workshop Participant

“I had the privilege to work alongside Jes as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Through their resilience and ability to communicate from the heart, they touched the lives of so many and continues to do so today. Their courage to challenge societal norms evokes thought, planting seeds of change in people’s hearts. I am constantly amazed at their energy to accomplish anything they put their mind to while investing their personal time and energy to uplift the voices of marginalized communities. Their integrity is palpable here in the US and abroad.”

- Whitney Shields, MFALP, Vermont Law School

“Jes taught us so much and was sensitive to the fact that we may not have understood the proper language and helped us to learn it.”

- Workshop Participant

“I met Jes as a student in my philanthropy and public policy class. They were an absolute joy to be in class with. They are smart, grounded and deeply committed to social justice. They are a fantastic writer and orator with a wonderful sense of humor. But what I have enjoyed most about Jes is their willingness to place themself in unfamiliar territory for the sole purpose of growing and stretching as a human being.”

- Consuella Brown, Loyola University Chicago

“Jes validated our contributions while challenging the limits of our knowledge.”

- Workshop Participant

“I worked with Jes in multiple capacities when they were hired at an organization during a time of extreme transition. I was Jes’ mentor for more than 2 years, and the mutual respect and friendship we developed was a hallmark of that very exciting and productive time. I am in awe of Jes’ passion, work ethic, insight, and wicked sense of humor! They are unafraid to learn, and to act on what they have learned. They also are unafraid to lead, to move forcefully and bravely into the uncharted social justice waters in which we now find ourselves. I gave Jes the benefit of my experience. But every day, Jes gives me the benefit of their courage.”

- Katie Seigenthaler, Managing Partner at DVL Seigenthaler

“I loved listening to Jes, and felt like the time flew.”

- Workshop Participant

“I was organizing a rally in support of local Muslims. and Jes was the media specialist with a local civil rights organization. I had almost no media experience, and had no idea how to market or promote the event, but I didn't have to; Jes was there and within hours of finding out about it, was successfully pitching the #StandWithMuslims that got a huge turnout and terrific TV and newspaper coverage. I've been fortunate enough to work with Jes on other projects and they have always been professional, committed and ethical in their work. I am impressed with their knack for conveying complicated concepts in a readable and laconic style for media. I am very fortunate to have such a thoughtful, media savvy and ideologically committed colleague.”

- Lesley Williams, Jewish Voice for Peace Chicago

“Jes had great energy and the presentation was really engaging and also inspiring.”

- Workshop Participant

“We were honored to have Jes present on Anti-Oppression during our recent 40 hour domestic violence training. They brought an engaging and warm energy to the topic. Jes created space for participants to discuss the uncomfortable realities of power and privilege and to make mistakes without judgement. Many participants noted at the end of the training that Jes was their most favorite of all the presenters.”

- Susan Pieters, MA, ICDVP, Healthcare Education Coordinator at Between Friends

”The anti-oppression piece of domestic violence work is crucial and Jes did a great job presenting it in an accessible way.”

- Workshop Participant

“I was lucky enough to supervise Jes during their MSW internship. Jes brings equal amounts of passion, innovation, and critical thinking to everything that they do. They are a quick study, ask good questions, and are open to giving and receiving constructive feedback. Jes is committed to trauma-informed practice in a way I have rarely seen, even in colleagues who have been in practice for decades. They value and prioritize genuine human connection, whether it be with clients or peers, and because of this they are a phenomenal networker, able to connect clients with needed resources and peers doing similar work. My own practice has grown and deepened because of Jes' influence.”

- Kate Harrington-Rosen, Manager of TransWorks Program