Jessica co-founded Performing for Pencils, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides disadvantaged school students with the basic school supplies they need to be successful learners. She gathered fellow performers from across the St. Louis area to host an annual high school community talent show. Through Jessica’s efforts, Performing for Pencils provided critical financial support to struggling schools, as well as having raised important awareness of social justice issues, and building bridges across racial and socioeconomic divisions in a city torn apart by violence and distrust. Performing for Pencils is currently expanding to the Chicago area and has raised $35,000 since 2014.