"Her resolution advocates for increased disability cultural initiatives, equity and accessibility training, and institutional support for students with disabilities."

Jessica Lopez is an advocate and full-time student majoring in Business, Economics, and Communication at Coastline College. Drawing on her lived experience as a woman born without hands and feet, she advocates for inclusive and accessible education and workforces.

Jessica is an intern at the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). In her role as Policy Advisor intern, she conducts policy research and promotes policies to increase disability inclusion in the workforce. Jessica is also a Corporate Training Consultant at the Center for Disability Inclusion. Beyond her current roles, Jessica served as Disability Inclusion Communication Specialist, collaborating with Richard Pimental and Milt Wright & Associates to update the Windmills Training Program. Previously, she worked at Diversability as Social Media Manager and Partnerships Coordinator, where she worked to elevate the disability community and change how people see disability. Jessica's journey also includes a marketing internship at Alation, a notable Silicon Valley tech company.

As President of Coastline Associated Student Government, Jessica authored a Disability Inclusion Resolution passed at the state level. Her resolution advocates for increased disability cultural initiatives, equity and accessibility training, and institutional support for students with disabilities. Additionally, Jessica served as Treasurer of Region VIII of the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC), a student organization recognized by California law to represent 2 million students in state legislative advocacy. Through her work with the SSCCC, Jessica advocated for marginalized students in the education system and led student campaigns for disability rights. Her dedication to advocacy also led her to the California State Capitol, where she engaged with legislators to advocate for more accessible education.

With experience spanning social enterprises, B2B technology, nonprofits, and public institutions, Jessica works to interrupt the narratives we often believe about people with disabilities to make the world more equitable.