Here’s what it felt like to be in the room
Community is built in the small, consistent acts of showing up.
“Jess is a phenomenal facilitator. Jess’s upbeat and creative delivery captivates the students' attention, making learning an enjoyable and enriching experience. I've had the pleasure of witnessing Jess's impact firsthand, and I can confidently say that she is a valuable asset to any educational team. Her dedication, creativity, and ability to engage students make her an outstanding literacy facilitator. I wholeheartedly recommend Jess to any organisation seeking a dynamic and inspiring educator.”
Amber Ogunsanya-William
World Literacy Foundation
“Jess is a burst of energy, enthusiasm and ideas. She cares deeply about the work she does and has a wide breadth of knowledge across areas including participation, facilitation, diversity and inclusion, and activism. Jess is skilled at creating safe, thoughtful and meaningful spaces. She can explain complex ideas in ways which resonate with her audience, and offer challenge with sensitivity and understanding. Her skills and understanding about what is needed to work safely, successfully and meaningfully with young people are first rate. She would be an asset to any organisation.”
Abi Hay
YoungMinds
“Jess is a great facilitator! She planned and hosted a workshop for Restless Development’s Uk Feminist Convention “Going The Extra Mile” around storytelling and poetry for social justice. The workshop was a great hit and people’s highlight to the convention. Jess is incredibly professional, passionate and skilled in all she does. Would highly recommend Jess Leigh for workshop facilitation, specifically when working with marginalised young people.”
Emily McChrystal
Restless Development
“Jess is able to create psychological safety for those she works with by being an excellent communicator and listener, and always acting with a trauma-informed approach. She is a natural activist, with deeply-held values, and the ability to encourage those around her to do the right thing, even when this may feel uncomfortable or difficult.”
Tamsin Watson
YoungMinds
“I left feeling braver and inspired to go further.”
Young Participant
“Jess creates spaces where honesty and hope can coexist.”
Professional on a workshop
how i can help
Speaking
Talks that spark reflection and open conversations. My speaking work brings together a decade of activism, education, and facilitation, blending theory, personal narrative, and practical tools for change.
CONSULTANCY
Change doesn’t happen through policies alone, it happens through people. Strategic support to embed gender justice into policy, practice, and culture.
TRANSFORMATIVE CONVERSATION & FACILITATION TRAINING
Practical, trauma-informed facilitation skills for navigating difficult conversations.
thoughts from the heart of my work
My Substack is a living journal of curiosity, essays and reflections on the intersections of gender, justice, and joy.