Empowering Our Local Youth

Each summer, we hire a student to help us with the extra volume of business during this busy time of year,  and this year we welcomed back Jessie. Jessie worked last summer at Phoenix, which allowed her to seamlessly jump back in as she knows our business, all the services we offer and of course our clientele – some of whom even remember her!

We were excited to catch up with Jessie and learn about her schooling accomplishments (she graduated high school!) as well as the extra curricular activities that she’s been involved with. She’s grown so much and is very excited to share that she has recently been named ‘Miss Teenage Maple Ridge’!

A few months back, Jessie decided to take on a new challenge, and entered the Miss Teenage Canada contest, and coming up this August she’ll be representing Maple Ridge at the Nationals. For those who are not familiar with this pageant, it’s an event where youths are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity, energy and share their passions.

Jessie is proud to wear the sash, evening gown and crown, but her main motivation behind participating in this event is to encourage her peers and younger kids to give back to their communities and get involved from a local level, which she demonstrates in her own life.

Jessie started volunteering at a young age. She joined the volunteer team at Katie’s Place Animal Shelter and to this day, she spends each Sunday there. Jessie is also an advocate for inclusivity, which was a driving force for her joining the Student Council at her high school and volunteering with the Fruit Salad Organization. Her impact has been noticeable and her eagerness to do more is certain. Jessie’s next step is to receive schooling at BCIT for a diploma in Radio Arts and Entertainment. She’ll use the knowledge she gains to continue advocating for causes she’s passionate about, such as LGBTQIA and inclusion, and furthering her reach.

Best of luck to Jessie in all her upcoming endeavors, and at the competition in Toronto next month, we’ll be cheering for you!