BY J.M. LEE
As an Indigenous woman, Jessica was born into a legacy of strength, love, and resilience. “I am a mother, daughter, wife, sister, and aunt. My identity is deeply rooted in family and community. These relationships have shaped who I am today and continue to inspire my work every day.”
Jessica is the Leader of Strategic Initiatives in Indigenous Health at Health Quality BC. She manages the internal implementation of the BC HSO Cultural Safety and Humility Standard, which supports provincial and national anti-racism initiatives.
My path has been shaped by lived experience, mentorship, and a powerful sense of responsibility to those who have come before me and those who will come after. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2008, a moment that deepened my understanding of health disparities and the urgent need for culturally safe care for Indigenous Peoples. This experience motivated me to step into the field of Indigenous health in 2014. Since then, I have poured my heart into addressing systemic racism in health care, advancing equity, and advocating for Indigenous-specific anti-racism across the province.
One of the most vulnerable moments in her career came when she was asked to speak publicly about racism in the health system. “Sharing my truth—as a mother, patient, and professional—was terrifying. But I knew that silence would not protect me or others. It was also one of the most significant risks I’ve taken, but through that risk, I found strength, and with every story I told, others came forward to share theirs. That collective courage is what builds momentum for change.”
Jessica often says, ‘It’s essential in this work to move at the speed of trust.’ That phrase guides how she leads and advises. It’s not about checking boxes or following formal programs; it is about humility, openness, and a desire to grow. Creating safe spaces for Indigenous people to access and receive health care is sacred to her—a relationship built on reciprocity, learning, and care. She is especially committed to supporting Indigenous women and youth who carry invisible burdens while navigating systems that are not designed for them.
“My leadership style has been shaped by women who walked before me, especially my mother. She has always been my rock. Her quiet strength, deep love for our family, and how she carries herself with dignity and humor despite hardship are the gifts she has given me. I didn’t always understand the magnitude of her sacrifices while growing up. But now, as a mother myself, I see them. I appreciate her more than ever. Being a mom has grounded, softened, and given me a reason to fight harder for a better future. I strive to embody the same qualities she exemplified, as her paradigm inspires me to lead with compassion, resilience, and purpose. I want to pass these lessons on to my children, continuing the legacy of strength and love she so selflessly built and taught me.
Women, particularly Indigenous women of color, bear a substantial burden. Balancing work and life can be challenging.
“But my family is my heart,” Jessica says. “My daughters make my heart happy on hard days. And I’ve learned the importance of rest and doing things that bring me joy in sustaining my work. To younger women, I say this: You are enough. You don’t have to have all the answers. Your voice matters. Ask questions. Take up space. And surround yourself with those who uplift you.”
“Your contributions are valuable. Stand unyieldingly in your beliefs and pursue your dreams with passion. Growth comes from learning, and each step forward leads to your uniqueness.”
To Jessica, inclusion is not a catchword—it’s a commitment to transformation. “It means creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, heard, and valued. It means sharing power, not just inviting people to the table. It means changing the table,” she says with conviction.
“Leadership isn’t about having control—it’s about creating conditions for others to thrive. I believe in leading with heart, humility, and humor. I also believe in the power of teams and the feeling of lifting others.”
This Mother’s Day, Jessica honors her mom for the love she gave so freely and for all the ways she taught her to be strong. “My greatest hope is that my daughters grow up knowing their worth, where they come from, and knowing they are deeply loved. That, to me, is the heart of leadership.”
