Jess Michaels
Speaker | Educator | Survivor
“I strengthen communities with trauma-sensitive skills to embolden a united front against sexual assault and foster compassionate peer support for survivors.”
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What would it look like if every person within your institution felt safe?
We Serve High Schools, Colleges,
Universities, and Greek Life
Keynotes - Orientation - Welcome Week - First Year Experience
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The 3Js Program
Just PAUSE
Discover “the pause:” Learn why being secure enough to ask for and offer “the pause” is key to consent, respect, and safe relationships.
Just PROTECT
Learn basic sexual assault first aid skills to provide immediate, accessible, compassionate peer support, break stigma, and hand-hold survivors to valuable resources faster.
Just PREVENT
Unlock the Power of Community: Learn how fostering empathy within your existing social circles can become a formidable tool against sexual violence.
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Speaking highlights include:
Jess Michaels
Jess Michaels is a dance industry professional with 30 years experience as a performer, educator, and entrepreneur.
She is also a 1991 survivor of sexual assault by Jeffrey Epstein and childhood sexual abuse.
Shockingly, her healing journey began December 14, 2012, after she and her hometown of Newtown CT were devastated by the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Jess not only witnessed the impact of mass tragedy all around her but also experienced the full force of her past trauma catching up to her.
In 2015, Jess found immense purpose and hope when she joined Dylan’s Wings of Change, a foundation dedicated to Dylan Hockley, one of the first-grade victims in the mass shooting. She helped develop the Wingman program for dance studios, sports, and schools and her work as a speaker & educator on empathy, inclusion, and community-building began.
It was there in Newtown, teaching dance classes and working alongside brave parents who lost their children, Jess began to connect the value of shame-free, community-based early trauma intervention to the needs of sexual assault survivors.
The 2019 arrest of Epstein motivated her to finally confront her past. Breaking her #MeToo silence, she channeled her own healing journey into action.
Today, she's the founder and driving force behind 3Joannes Sexual Assault First Aid, teaching people to “know what to do when someone says ME TOO. Through her work, Jess equips communities with the tools to minimize the devastating long-term effects of sexual violence.
Her ultimate goal? To ensure no one else loses decades shackled by the ghosts of unprocessed trauma, as she did.
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Jess’ TEDX talk:
“How Sexual Assault First Aid
Revolutionizes Prevention”
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Testimonials
“Jessica's story connects and inspires all audiences! She shares from her heart and gives meaning to navigating a life full of tragedy and triumph. Her message empowers others to move beyond current circumstances and dig deep into the personal strength that lies within to overcome any challenge. Jessica is a true inspiration, a bright light and a strong woman who leaves her audience inspired to be difference makers.”
—Suzanne Blake Gerety, Dance Industry Leader and Marketing Event Director
“Jessica Michaels brings captivating storytelling with inspired imagery and passion. She instantly grabs the hearts and minds of her audience and leads them through her anecdotes and experiences with empathy and compassion. We had the pleasure of having Jessica lead our keynote speech for educators from Canada, USA, Mexico & UK. She presents with courage and vulnerability that allows every listener to empathize and participate on personal levels. She is one of our most sought-after and requested speakers and we are honored every time she returns to our events.
—Jay T. Schramek , Co-owner/Director of Programming, Dance Attack Events/Toronto Dance Teacher Expo
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