Full Name of Your Superstar Nominee Jess Thompson


What makes your nominee a superstar? Examples can include what makes them special, how they embrace what makes them unique, and what they do to inspire and empower the communityJess’s energy, passion and positivity around fitness make her special. She is a light in the fitness world that can be very dark for many people. While grieving the loss of her mom, she gained weight and was looking for somewhere to put her energy that came from grief. That’s when she found fitness. She experienced the negativity and obsession that can come with fitness. Her previous trainer and gym did not uplift her, and they even made her feel bad about herself while she was seeking wellness. Because of that, she realized there must be a better way to get healthy – one that makes you feel better about yourself. So, she created that for herself and others. She uses her platform to help people know getting to move our bodies is a blessing and we should get satisfaction from that instead of accepting the negativity of diet culture or our wellness being tied to a certain aesthetic. She exemplifies her strength inside and out and shows others that strength can have many different looks. She empowers people by inspiring them to believe their first step is enough and should be celebrated.

How has your nominee engaged with Girls on the Run OR how have they inspired girls to be joyful, healthy and confident? She shows up as herself in spaces where she can talk to people. She is a speaker and coach. She partners with businesses to offer free events for people to move their bodies, creating accessibility. She is active in the wellness community as a representative of what wellness can look like. Her presence and voice demonstrate the different range of what being strong, well, healthy and fit look like. Just like with Girls on the Run, Jess believes and demonstrates that movement isn’t about the aesthetic, it is all about finding and doing what brings you joy, health and confidence.