Jessica Teresi

“I first became acquainted with Jess as a presenter in September 2017 when I attended a 40-hour Sexual Assault Services training that she hosted. Her insight into the various areas that sexual assault reaches, including but not limited to advocacy, systematic barriers, and rape culture, was impressive. She welcomed questions from those with varying points of view and addressed each of them intelligently, honestly, and confidently. Her presentation was very engaging and relevant, while her commitment to the subject matter was apparent and contagious. Later, I was afforded the opportunity to present violence prevention curriculum to youth with Jess. Her persistence with insuring that as many students as possible grasped concepts like the dynamics of a healthy relationship, the necessity of consent, and the unfair pressures of society was infectious to those who worked with her. When presenting, she answered questions and provided scenarios that made the individuals think. Her impact on the students was captivating to see.”

“Jessica’s personal story gave me the courage to speak up and share my own story.”

“Ms. Teresi’s candid and engaging abilities as a speaker provide the audience with a safe and judgment-free atmosphere that is completely conducive their desire to gain knowledge that is critical to their success in the advocacy field. Her knowledge of advocacy in relation to domestic and sexual violence victims goes far beyond most institutional learning platforms, and helps to expand the world views of those in attendance in other related areas such as healthy relationships, consent, appropriate behavior in the workplace, and the criminal/legal/medical process that victims of sexual or domestic violence will often experience. Ms. Teresi is also very adept, compassionate, and empathetic when it comes to starting and continuing conversations that include some very difficult subject matter, which helps to create and sustain the high levels of discourse needed to continue our work in the advocacy field. In military parlance, we would consider Ms. Teresi both a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and a true force multiplier.”

““I had the pleasure of working alongside Jess while she was creating a multi year sexual violence/healthy relationships prevention curriculum to implement with school age students. She was mindful of assessing learning objectives and specific content that would challenge learners to be reflective and also give them a chance to ask for help if they weren’t feeling safe. What impressed me most - actually blew me away - was watching her command the room whether teaching this curriculum to a group of middle schoolers or presenting in front of groups of professionals or peers. Jess is a courageous, creative, authentic and engaging leader in this field. She connects by sharing her story, passion and grounded message. That’s not easy to do with sensitive subject matter.”

“It was great to have Jess present for our Victim advocates. She walked us down a path of her personal experience then proceeded to lead us down a path of culture change and opened our eyes to a way of thinking that not many have accomplished. Her message was clear and on target with current events in society today. The Advocates thoroughly enjoyed her presentation and rated her as one of the best presenters in recent years.”

“As an experienced, retired, Police Officer Lt., Instructor at the Indiana law Enforcement Academy and Advocate for Victims of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, I recognize Jess Teresi, to be the personification of the Pre-Eminent, Professional Educator. Recently, I attended a 40 hour training session, concerning Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Advocacy, instructed by Jess. Who, using her vast personal life experience, voluminous knowledge and innate sensitivity, coordinated the curriculum, prepared PowerPoint exhibits, spoke eloquently for the forty hour session melding easily with group. She was always alert, to speak one on one, in order to meet the needs of individual group members. Attendees were very fortunate to receive a fresh perspective on major issues in our communities. Human Trafficking, Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse. Jess’s presentation was outstanding. She was friendly, well spoken, knowledgeable and well received by all participants in the session. It is my pleasure to give Jess my highest recommendation as a keynote speaker. As a result of her oratorical ability and depth of subject matter knowledge, she will, always, deliver valuable information and be well received by all attendees.”

“Jessica Teresi is one of the most passionate, insightful, and impactful people I have known throughout my career in victim services. She has an extensive knowledge in topics related to sexual and domestic violence as well as prevention. In the years I have known her, I have always found her to be compassionate and empathetic to the needs of victims/survivors. She is also very aware of the societal influences that create a culture that perpetuates violence and what we can do to stop it. I’ve had the opportunity to attend many of her speaking engagements where message is so motivating, the audience leaves wanting to learn more and take action.”

“I first met Jess years ago when she trained me to become a Sexual Assault Advocate. Through the years I have followed Jess’ journey. She is one of the most influential and inspiring woman I know. I recently invited her to speak at the local Rotary I am a member of. There is never enough time to listen to her speak, I could listen to her forever! Not to mention her passion for why she speaks about the things she does! I plan to continue following her journey and always wish her the best!”

“Jessica has a wealth of knowledge in the area of sexual assault, including the cultural norms giving rise to this behavior, the facts of what is actually happening by whom and to whom, and practical ways we can speak and act to prevent assault in the future. She is also an excellent speaker who has spoken at several events for our Trafficking Justice organization. She is concise, articulate, and professional in her presentations, and she knows how to engage the audience. Jessica also managed our social media strategy and created some very engaging posts that we’re very high performing on Facebook. She has multiple skills and has creative ideas and excellent follow through on all that she does.”

“I had the honor of completing sexual assault advocacy training under Jessica. She is extremely knowledgeable, and a highly engaging trainer. I was continually impressed with her organization, management, and guidance. Jessica is a highly skilled and empathic advocate, a strong support for others working in the field, and an accomplished speaker and trainer.”

“Jessica is ambitious, caring, and passionate about preventing sexual violence. I had the honor of completing sexual assault advocacy training under Jessica, in which I learned what a empathetic and compassionate advocate looked like. She is knowledgeable, organized, and a true leader. Jessica is resilient, sensible, and great at what she does. ”

“Wow – what a dynamic facilitator! Plan to incorporate a couple ideas she used in future SAPR/VA presentations.
”