Branding and Marketing Enthusiast
Jessica began her food journey in 2012, working in the hospitality industry in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. She was immerse in the food scene at award-winning restaurants, craft breweries, distilleries and industry events, including Port Pub & Bistro, Barrelling Tide Distillery, and Devour! The Food Film Festival. For six years, she focused on providing memorable culinary experiences, fostering deeper connections to food among consumers, and building relationships across the sector.
It was in Nova Scotia, she was inspired by the local growers, producers, artisans, chefs, and community at large who had shared values and a commitment to regional economic growth, environmental stewardship, cultural heritage and sustainability, which is embodied in her work today.
Innovation, Creativity and Sustainability to Build a Better Food Future.
In 2017, Jessica moved to Copenhagen, Denmark, to gain work and travel experience. She worked in one of the most vibrant food scenes in Copenhagen, Vesterbro, where they focused on locally sourced ingredients, innovation, creativity, and sustainability. She learned how sustainability could be reflected and rooted in culture and values across government, businesses and community, from food to urban planning, policy and other initiatives.
After two years in Denmark, she wanted to use her lived experience and learnings to start pursuing a career in branding and marketing. In 2019, she started working for the Rural Agri-Innovation Network, a division of Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre where she led the re-brand and launch of a regional branding and marketing initiative. The program focused on working closely with producers, processors, food businesses and other stakeholders committed to using Algoma food and drink. She implemented branding and marketing strategies that highlighted the region's agri-food sector through marketing campaigns, hosted agri-tourism events and experiences, supported market development, and built strategic partnerships for the organization.
Today, Jessica uses her lived experience and place-based learning to help grow farms, food and beverage businesses and organizations across the sector. In 2018 she joined the Fair Finance Fund, a social finance fund for Ontario’s local food and farm sector, to help mobilize equitable and accessible capital for food and farm entrepreneurs. She focuses on building awareness of the Fund, creating strategic partnerships, and promoting their programs and services. The Fund has grown incredibly since inception, disbursing over 2.7M + in capital to social enterprises across Ontario.
In addition, Jessica worked for the Local Food and Farm Co-operatives, an organization that supports the development and growth of co-operatives and social enterprises across Ontario. She focuses on innovation and creative branding and marketing to increase awareness, generate new revenue streams, and build meaniningful connections among members, partners and funders.
Jesica is proud to have supported over 100+ co-operatives, social enterprises, organizations and agri-food businesses throughout her carer and is determined to continue to build better food systems throughout Ontario.