Born in Swift Current and raised in Regina, Jessie has lived in Ward 1 nearly all of her life. Coming from a single-parent family, consisting of her hard-working mom and four siblings, Jessie knows the value of community programs that serve the needs of real people. “We didn’t have money for extras when I was growing up. If it weren’t for programs like KidSport and services like the public library, I don’t know what kind of adults we might have grown into.” It was the challenge of having not-quite-enough balanced by a loving and tight-knit family that shaped Jessie into the passionate advocate for justice, equity, and community service that she is today.
Jessie holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), Bachelor of Arts (English), and a Masters Degree in Library and Information Sciences. She has a long history of volunteering her time around the city. In her role as Chair of the South Central Food Security Network, Jessie was a driving force behind initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity in the region. She worked tirelessly to build partnerships with local organizations, develop sustainable programs, and advocate for policies that ensure all residents have access to nutritious food. Her leadership was instrumental in raising awareness about food security issues and mobilizing community resources to tackle this critical challenge.
Her dedication to supporting local communities extends to her work on the City of Regina Cultural Development Community Investment Grant Committee. As a committee member, she played a key role in evaluating and awarding grants to various cultural and community projects. Her keen understanding of community needs and her commitment to promoting cultural diversity contributed to the successful funding of numerous initiatives that enrich the lives of Regina's residents.