Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Belle.
Hi Jessica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I lived in Los angles for 20 years of my life but recently moved to Kansas City, Mo. I do youth development still in both cities.
Jessica Belle is a host, youth advocate, CASA, entrepreneur, Ministry School graduate and teacher in Kansas City, MO and a youth program developer in Los Angeles as well. Jessica began her career in youth advocacy almost ten years ago in Los Angeles. Her experience as a mentor has opened the door to allow her to speak up for the youth and communities who have been muted. She has had the opportunity to speak, host events, and connect with people from all walks of life to encourage them via blogging, public speaking, and her podcast “UnMUTE your Mic”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I have faced being an educator is the ability to reach every child no matter where they are. When you decide to mentor or advocate for a child, you have to be prepared to plant the seed, even if you do not see what you have planted come to pass. It takes true faith and endurance to not give up when you do not see the results you want. It can be really difficult to see a child that you have been pouring into go to jail, go down the wrong path, etc. You have to believe that the tiny seeds you are planting will make a difference in their life even if it is later on down the line.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a teacher in Kansas City and a youth advocate in Kansas City and Los Angeles. I create programs for educators to use to relate to their children. So often, we can have a one size fits all approach when it comes to children but there are so many other factors at play. What sets me apart is that I like to make sure that each child, no matter their background feels as is their life experiences and stories matter. I also love to use people that children look up to help teach life lessons like community service, entrepreneurship and conflict resolution.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Every child needs an adult in their lives. Someone who believes in them and sees them for where they can be and not just where they are. Sometimes, that adult for a child may not be their parent but someone else who influences them such as a coach, pastor, mentor etc. As adults, I think it’s so important that we pay attention the youth in our lives who need mentorship advocacy or need someone to speak on their behalf.
Contact Info:
- Website: unmuteyourmic.org
- Instagram: Jess__Christina
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.Chrstina.585
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQD97kiZH_L4Pn24xuFFXqQ
