Growing up, Jessica Sanders was always the tallest student in her class, and struggled to accept and love her body. When she was 12, her mother signed her up to play volleyball knowing her height would be celebrated and an advantage. Jessica soon learned that different bodies brought different skills to the team and all these bodies were valued. After leaving high-school, Jessica travelled solo to many countries and climbed some of the world's highest mountains, always carrying a heavy pack that made her grateful for her strong body. Over time, and through the ups and downs of life's tough lessons, Jessica grew to love and celebrate her body. Inspired by her own journey, Jessica wrote Love Your Body to educate and empower young girls with the message of self-love. Jessica is an author, advocate and social worker. She has volunteered for several women's rights organizations, supported women and children fleeing family violence, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in alliance with African women fighting for their rights to land, and lectured at schools teaching the importance of respect for self and others. Currently Jessica works at the Butterfly Foundation where she educates young people on the importance of positive body image.
