Jessica Bailey
Height: 6’1
Hometown: Vancouver, BC
Languages: English
Occupation: CEO of Nonprofit Organization
Jessica Bailey, an empathetic and compassionate leader, is the CEO of The Accessible Movement, a non-profit organization she founded to ensure equal access to recreational facilities for individuals with disabilities. Her personal connection to the visually impaired and blind community drives her passion, as she experienced the risk of vision loss in one eye during her childhood, highlighting the importance of optometry intervention. This experience instilled in her a deep empathy and a commitment to advocate for inclusivity and accessibility.
A graduate of Trinity Western University (TWU), Jessica excelled academically and athletically. She obtained a degree in kinesiology while serving as the captain of the varsity volleyball team, leading her teammates to three Canada West championships. Recognized for her outstanding community work and dedication to making a positive impact, Jessica received the Servant Leadership Award. In addition, she was a three-time academic All-Canadian during her university years, showcasing her commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the court.
Jessica’s influential presence extends beyond academia and sports. As an internationally published model, she has used her platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for equal representation. Alongside her modeling career, Jessica served as the spokesperson for Foundry, a charitable organization focused on building an at-risk youth center in her hometown of Langley. Through her involvement, she played a pivotal role in the successful establishment of this crucial resource for vulnerable youth. In her role as CEO of The Accessible Movement, Jessica has organized over 75 group sessions specifically designed to empower blind individuals, ensuring they have access to recreational opportunities. Her dedication to inclusivity is further exemplified by her educational sessions at schools, raising awareness about the importance of inclusivity in the classroom.
With her unwavering passion, leadership abilities, and remarkable achievements, Jessica Bailey is a true role model and an ideal candidate for Miss Universe Canada. If crowned, she would seize the opportunity to magnify her message of inclusivity and accessibility on a global stage. Her unique combination of experiences as a transformational leader, CEO of The Accessible Movement, advocate for equal opportunities, and her personal connection to the visually impaired community make her a powerful advocate for change. Through her authenticity, compassion, and determination, Jessica Bailey is poised to make an indelible impact as a global ambassador for inclusivity and accessibility, revolutionizing societal norms and creating a future where every individual has equal access to mobility, health, and wellness.
What are your interests and what do you enjoy doing the most?
As someone who is deeply passionate about helping myself and others live happy, healthy lives, I am constantly seeking new ways to inspire and motivate those around me. My love for exercise, weight training, cooking, and hiking stems from a burning desire to help people unlock their full potential, both physically and mentally. There’s nothing quite like the invigorating rush of a challenging hike, as I get to explore and soak in the breathtaking beauty of Canada’s natural landscapes. With every step, I feel a sense of connection to the world around me and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of nature. And it’s not just about the physical activity – hiking is a chance to clear my mind, reflect on my goals, and push myself to new heights, both figuratively and literally. Whether it’s the sense of renewed peace from a hike, the satisfying burn of a weight training session, or the nourishing goodness of a nutritious meal, I am dedicated to empowering others to take control of their health and wellness. I know firsthand the transformative power of these activities, and I’m committed to sharing that passion with the world. So let’s lace up our hiking boots, fire up the stove, and get moving towards a happier, healthier future – together!
List any special training you have had (music, art, drama, dance, etc.)
I have a diverse background in both culinary arts and personal training, having been in a culinary arts program in high school and then working as a line cook in four different restaurants. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and I loved learning about different cuisines and experimenting with new flavors and techniques. However, I also became interested in fitness and wellness, which led me to pursue a career as a personal trainer. For over five years now, I have been helping others achieve their fitness goals by creating personalized workout plans and providing guidance and motivation. It’s been a rewarding experience to see my clients make progress and feel better about themselves. Ultimately, my passion for cooking and personal training stems from the same desire to help others live a happy and healthy life, and I hope to continue pursuing both in the future.
In what sports, if any, have you participated?
I am incredibly proud to have been an on scholarship varsity volleyball player at Trinity Western University for five years. During my time on the team, I had the privilege of serving as the captain and leading my fellow players to great success, including three division titles. Being part of such a dedicated and talented group of athletes was truly an honor, and I will always cherish the memories and lessons I learned on the court. From grueling practices to thrilling games, every moment was a testament to the power of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance. And even though my time as a varsity athlete has come to an end, I continue to carry those values with me in all aspects of my life. Whether I’m tackling a tough project at work or pushing myself to new heights in my personal goals, I know that the lessons I learned as a varsity volleyball player will always be a part of who I am.
Name one person, other than your parents, who has had the most influence on your life. Why?
My professor of Adapted Physiology, Sarah Moore, had a profound impact on my life by opening my eyes to the inequalities that the disabled community faces in recreation and physical education classrooms. Taking her class not only ignited a passion within me to advocate for equal access to recreational facilities, but it also inspired me to educate teachers on inclusion in physical education classrooms. That’s why I founded my non-profit organization called “The Accessible Movement Association”, which has provided over 60 sessions to educate the visually impaired and blind community on how to work out and give them a safe space to create a healthy relationship with exercise. I am passionate about making a positive change in the lives of those who have been overlooked or marginalized, and my work with The Accessible Movement Association is just the beginning of my efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable world. I am grateful to Professor Moore for sparking this passion within me and providing me with the tools and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (other than participating in this pageant)?
Starting my non-profit organization, “The Accessible Movement Association”, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Our mission is to secure equal access to recreational facilities for individuals with disabilities, and I am proud to say that we have already helped over 12 blind and visually impaired people in my community. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to teach at two different schools and share my knowledge and passion for inclusion in physical education classrooms with students and teachers alike. Now, as the CEO of The Accessible Movement Association, I am grateful to be able to devote my time and energy to this important work full-time. Every day, I am inspired by the resilience and strength of the people in our community and motivated to continue fighting for their rights to equal access to recreational facilities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
What is the most interesting or unique thing that has ever happened to you and/or what is the most interesting thing about you?
Being a part of the blockbuster volleyball film “The Miracle Season” was an absolute dream come true! The experience was nothing short of incredible, and it was an honor to share the screen with such legendary actors as William Hurt, Helen Hunt, and Erin Moriarty. But what made this opportunity truly special was the chance to be a part of one of the first-ever female sports movies that received the same level of publicity and attention as men’s sports. It was an exhilarating feeling to know that we were part of a movie that inspired young women to pursue their dreams of playing sports and breaking down barriers. The impact of the film was palpable, and it was amazing to witness how it inspired young women to believe in themselves and what they could accomplish through sports. It was a truly unforgettable moment in the history of women’s sports, and I feel so blessed to have been a part of it!
What is your career ambition and what are you doing or plan to do to accomplish that goal?
I’m currently in the process of completing my Clinical Exercise Physiology Certification, which is a crucial step in my journey to growing “The Accessible Movement Association” into a national organization. I’m excited to add this certification to my already completed Bachelor’s degree in Human Kinetics, as it will help me to create more impactful programs and educational workshops. One of our main goals as an organization is to promote equal access to recreational facilities for individuals with disabilities, especially those who are visually impaired or blind. By providing educational workshops for municipality recreational centers, we hope to create a more inclusive environment that enables everyone to participate in recreational activities on an equal footing. It’s an important mission, and I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to make it a reality. With the knowledge and expertise gained from my Clinical Exercise Physiology Certification, I’m confident that we can take “The Accessible Movement Association” to the next level and help even more individuals with disabilities lead happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
What would be your “dream job” in life?
Becoming a global advocate for equal rights for individuals who are blind and visually impaired is my dream job. This passion stems from my personal experience, where I was fortunate enough to receive optometry care as a child, preventing me from losing vision in one of my eyes. It breaks my heart to know that not everyone has access to the same resources and care that I did. According to the World Health Organization, there are currently 284 million visually impaired people worldwide, with 39 million being blind. Shockingly, 60% of blindness in the world can be cured, and 20% can be prevented. These statistics only reinforce my belief that fighting for equal access to optometry care and resources for those who are visually impaired is not just a cause, it’s a necessity.
Describe where you were raised and what your childhood was like.
I was born in Canada but moved to New Zealand at the age of 2. I am the youngest of 4 siblings, with 2 older brothers and 1 older sister. I lived in New Zealand for 8 years, then moved back to beautiful Vancouver, Canada. I was lucky enough to have parents who instilled the importance of giving back to the global community. They showed me this by sending me on mission trips to Vanuatu, Albania, and Guatemala as a child. When arriving in Canada, I was extremely grateful to find a great community of kind people and quickly fell into sports, playing every sport that was accessible to me. I am grateful to have such loving and positive people around me. As the youngest in my family, I am eager to make a difference and be a positive force for change. I am an absolute social justice seeker with a passion for promoting optimism and equality in the world.
List any interesting or unusual jobs you may have had.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work as a line cook for four years, serve as a camp counselor, and coach volleyball for five years. These experiences have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and have instilled in me a deep passion for helping and guiding others towards their goals. As a line cook, I discovered the power of teamwork and the importance of dedication to excellence. As a camp counselor, I learned the value of leadership and the rewards of being a positive influence in the lives of others. And as a volleyball coach, I found joy in mentoring young athletes and helping them achieve their full potential. These experiences have helped me develop a strong sense of purpose and a desire to make a positive impact in the world.
List any volunteering you have done.
As a passionate advocate for the youth and those with disabilities, I have dedicated my time to several charitable organizations and community projects. I served as a spokesperson for “Foundry,” a charitable organization that helps at-risk youth access the resources they need to overcome the challenges they face. Together, we built a youth crisis center in my hometown of Langley, British Columbia, where youth can receive the support they need to achieve success. I also volunteered at the Special Olympics hockey team, where I facilitated practices and games for the athletes. Thanks to my dedication to community service, I was recognized with the Servant Leadership Award from my university. I’m proud to say that my work has been acknowledged by the mayors of Toronto, Langley Township, and Langley City, who have all expressed their gratitude for my contributions to the community.
What is your most unusual talent?
As a child, I used to play the trombone, much to the amusement of my friends who would joke that I was the coolest kid on the block with my brass instrument. But as I got older, I realized that playing guitar was way cooler and now I’m teaching myself how to play. I mean, let’s be real, who doesn’t want to strum a few chords and sing their heart out? Plus, now I can impress my friends with my musical prowess while also feeling like a rockstar. It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby, and I’m excited to see where my guitar skills will take me!
Where is the most interesting place you have been to?
When I was younger, I had the opportunity to live in Vanuatu for three months with my father and his partner, who was building a malaria ward at their hospital. While there, I was able to explore the beautiful landscape and culture of the country, including snorkeling with stunning aquatic life and standing on the edge of an active volcano as it was erupting. It was an incredible experience that taught me the importance of respecting Mother Nature and the beautiful wonders the earth holds. I was also able to assist my dad’s partner in setting up the malaria ward, which was a humbling experience that instilled in me the value of helping others in need.
What do you hope to be doing in ten years?
In the next 10 years, my ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact on the world by raising awareness about the inequalities faced by the blind and visually impaired communities. As a Canadian, I aim to represent my country on the world stage and demonstrate how Canada is taking a lead in addressing this critical issue. I believe that I have the potential to be a powerful force for good, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to make a meaningful difference in the world. Through my work with the Accessible Movement Association and other organizations, I hope to inspire others to join me in this fight for equality and help create a brighter future for all.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
As a participant in the Miss Universe Canada competition, I am thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to showcase my passion for advocating for the blind and visually impaired communities. My goal is to be the transformational leader that the organization is seeking, by raising awareness of the issues that these communities face and working towards finding solutions to address them. I believe that my personal experiences, education, and passion make me the perfect candidate to represent Canada and make a positive impact on the world. I am excited to use this platform to amplify my voice and bring attention to the causes that matter most to me. I am confident that I can inspire others to join me in creating a better future for all.