Jessica is not an event planner. She’s an operations professional who creates inspired spaces and mission-driven events.

Once she transitioned from stage management to events, Jessica quickly discovered that events are really just big theatrical productions. Whether through an event or a physical space, she gives people a reason to gather together, hear a story, and connect over human values.

Jessica seeks uncharted territory. In fact, throughout her career, she’s been the first to hold the position for which she was hired. Orginiating a role means there’s no blueprint, so Jessica learned to leave room for collaboration, creativity and, of course, some trial-and-error. Once success was defined, she created roadmaps and supporting documentation for future acts to follow.

In her most recent role as Director of Innovation Hall, the newest addition to Cortex Innovation Community in Midtown St. Louis, Jessica transformed 14,000 square feet of empty space into a community hallmark. She helped secure a lead gift of $1.5M for buildout and operations. Then, she built a team and started designing.

Her favorite part of Innovation Hall? The dry-erase walls.

Jessica believes that doing something that feels against the rules, like coloring on the walls, often brings us to our biggest breakthroughs. She’s proud that her work has inspired local entrepreneurs, artists and visionaries to show up and just do their thing.

In her spare time, Jessica owns and operates a St. Louis-based wedding planning company called Belle Fín Productions. When she’s not actively running an event, you can find her digging for the latest Walt Disney World theme park updates, snuggling her rescue pitbull, or planning the next grand travel adventure with her husband, Mike.