Rising Above
JESSICA JANNIERE’S JOURNEY FROM TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH
Rooted in faith and driven by a profound commitment to her family and the causes she champions, Jessica has turned her personal battles into a powerful platform for change. She has become a trusted voice in leadership development, particularly in the areas of resilience, trauma recovery, and personal growth. Her unique approach integrates her own story of survival with practical strategies, making her a sought-after speaker and consultant for a wide range of audiences, including educators, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and faith communities.
As a Certified International Speaker, Trainer, and Coach with the John C. Maxwell Leadership Company and a DISC-certified trainer and consultant, Jessica leverages her extensive experience to equip others with the tools they need to overcome their challenges and lead with purpose. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets like ABC News and Hope Magazine, and her contributions to leadership development have earned her accolades from the New York State Assembly and Senate, including the prestigious "I Am Hope" leadership award for her efforts in combating human suffering and supporting mental health initiatives.
Jessica’s dedication to youth leadership is evident in her long-standing mentorship roles, including her tenure as Director of the GEMS Mentor Program, where she connected disadvantaged teens with professional women mentors. Her ongoing work in the juvenile justice sector underscores her commitment to fostering the development and rehabilitation of young people, ensuring they have the support needed to overcome their circumstances and thrive.
Residing in Brooklyn, NYC, with her husband and best friend of 22 years, Jessica balances her professional commitments with a rich personal life. When not traveling to inspire others, she enjoys exploring hiking trails, completing adult coloring books, and cherishing time with her three young adult children.
my story
Here is the Middle School graduation picture of my younger sister, Vicky. Vicky is a driving force behind everything I do today. My sister never had the opportunity to take her High School graduation picture or even celebrate her Sweet Sixteen birthday. Vicky and I were three years apart and very close. We were the best of friends. On that fateful day when I received the news that she was murdered, a piece of me was lost. To this day, I wonder about the type of woman she would have become if her life was taken.
Growing up, we were surrounded by abuse, dysfunction and poverty which played a strong part in shaping our decisions. During those years, I suffered from depression. I was at my lowest. I tried to numb my pain with alcohol and drugs instead of facing my life.
Like many young people, I thought the only way to deal with my life was to end it so, as a teenager, I attempted suicide. And when I thought things could not get worse, I was sexually assaulted. I was convinced my life was cursed and doomed for failure. I believed that if I were gone from the planet, no one would care. I attempted suicide two more times. Vicky had her own way of dealing with the pain, including running away and surrounding herself with the wrong crowd.
Unfortunately, it cost her her life.
I learned quickly how our environment and the people we choose to associate with can make or break us.
After Vicky's death, life did not have the same meaning for me. But little by little something inside of me changed.
While I was grieving I was doing some soul searching. I discovered a new determination to live life purposefully and to use Vicky's story as inspiration to rise above my negative past.
Through a long journey of personal development and prayer I began working on myself and seeing myself differently.
Then one day I experienced a transformational moment where I separated my identity from the negative situations I had been through. The idea, “What happened to me is not who I am" changed the trajectory of my life from that point forward.
I was finally able to look up and beyond the pain and negativity to create a new vision for my life. I was able to experience professional success, marry my best friend and raise three amazing children.
Sometimes we go through the most difficult experiences so that we can be a light to others who are experiencing similar darkness.
In honor of my sister Vicky, I am on a mission to help people, especially young people…
“look up and beyond”
their negative pasts, end the cycle of bad choices that can lead to tragedy, and create a future that is filled with purpose.
Everyone, especially our youth, needs to know that despite their circumstances, they matter. Their voice matters. God has a purpose for them – and it is powerful.
You are NOT what happened to you.
The biggest tragedy is seeing a young person live way below their potential and give up even before they've started. “Look Up and Beyond" was created to change and save lives with practical, engaging and reflective strategies that students can use to become resilient, emotionally healthy and purpose driven with a unique vision.
Every parent, counselor and mentor will want their students to know these trauma informed strategies. Jessica’s best selling book on Amazon will allow the reader to break free from their challenging past, press forward and create the bright future they rightfully deserve.
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