Jessica Pettitt blends politics, humor, identity and local flair with big city passion and energy.
Her keynotes are direct, customized and interactive. From the moment you meet Jessica, you know you’re in for something that will challenge your mind, inspire your conscience and invigorate you to pursue change.
Jessica has traveled and lived in diverse communities around the world. This—plus her experiences as a student, teacher, college administrator and active community member—have given her a special ability to take audiences through a safe, yet confrontational process of examination, reflection and open dialog that is unique among the many diversity speakers available in the college market.
In challenging the audience to think about social justice and diversity, Jessica pushed some buttons—in a good way! She asked them to use tracking to figure out triggers and make observations, which were simple things to do that ended up being referred to in many sessions after her keynote. And egads, is she funny!
Lisa Currie, Northwestern University
Be the Change You Want to Be
Often, student groups ask a speaker to come in and make the group feel good, laugh and learn something. Using an interactive and conversational style, Jessica encourages students to play with their cell phones, raise their hands and laugh out loud. Mixed in with the humor is a slow developing feeling of discomfort as students come to understand how their lack of consciousness guides their actions and assumptions. In this realization, change can begin!
Collectively, the group begins to break down behaviors, actions, assumptions and stereotypes that limit their organizations, friends and most importantly themselves. Before you know it, the participants are creating tangible goals and realistic action steps to create change in their community.
Facing Trans: Inclusion, Advocacy and Empowerment
As we become comfortable with the lesbian and gay communities on our college campuses and in the workplace, we continue to overlook bisexuals and silence transgender populations. Trans students (perspective and current), faculty and staff, as well as alumni, community members, parents and partners are courageously coming forward and identifying as trans.
This workshop is designed to help college administrators and human resources personnel strategically plan to provide a safe and supportive campus climate for all. Be a leader in benchmarking how your department and campus can identify needs, include invisible populations, advocate effectively for trans people and empower campus community members to take action.
Just Rescue
Who has the power to choose who lives or dies? Who writes the moral code we live by? Who “unwrites” this code? Even with limited information, we are socialized to make quick decisions about another person. When given an opportunity to examine “back stories” and assumptions, participants learn the positives and negatives of stereotypes. Jessica will help participants identify default decision-making in regards to logical, relational, creative and emotional connections. Participants can take this knowledge to make informed decisions in the future.
Jessica's Bio
From the moment you meet Jessica, you know you’re in for something that will challenge your mind, inspire your conscience and invigorate you to pursue change in your community. Nominated for the past two years by Campus Activities Magazine for “Best Diversity Artist” and referred to as the “Margaret Cho” of Diversity Trainers, Jessica’s keynotes are direct, customized and highly interactive. Her workshops, seminars and keynotes don’t just leave participants energized but inspired and motivated to follow through with action to create change. Jessica uses her take on life to lead participants through a safe but confrontational process of examination, self reflection and open dialog that is as challenging as it is rewarding. Buckle your seatbelts…Here is Jessica Pettitt.
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