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Jessica Cox
Jessica Cox is a world-class motivational speaker. Jessica was born without arms and uses her feet the way most people use their hands. Jessica grew up asking with frustration and anger, “Why me? Why do I have to be different?” She learned to see the blessings in her life and accept herself as a whole person. Now, Jessica flies airplanes, drives cars, is married, and otherwise lives a normal life.
About Jessica Cox
Born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jessica has learned to live her life with her feet. There were many questions at the time about whether Jessica would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Jessica’s father has said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in her potential.
With the support of her parents and family,Jessica became confident in herself as an adult and continued to explore the world with her feet. At the age of 14, Jessica earned her first black belt in the International Taekwondo Federation. After graduating from high school, Jessica attended the University of Arizona, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. When talking about her degree, she frequently explains that psychology credits the way people think with having a greater impact on their lives than a physical limitation.
During college, Jessica joined an ATA Martial Arts club and became the first armless person to earn a black belt in the ATA. Jessica’s most famous accomplishment was learning how to fly. It took three states, four airplanes, three flight instructors, and three years to find the right aircraft: a 1946 415C Ercoupe Airplane.
In 2008 Jessica earned her Light Sport Pilot Certificate. She received the Guinness World Record for being the first person certified to fly an airplane with only their feet in 2011.
In May 2012, Jessica married in the beautiful city of South Pasadena, CA. In the fall of that same year, Jessica became
a Goodwill Ambassador for Humanity and Inclusion, a Nobel Peace Prize winning NGO, and advocated for disability rights in Ethiopia, the Philippines, Nepal, and the US Senate.
Flying continues to be a passion for Jessica as she attends many of the largest aviation events in the world. Along the way, she has been recognised for numerous awards, including Woman of the Year from the Tucson Hispanic Chamber, an honorary doctorate from Universidad Santander in 2023, and a distinguished speaker award from Egypt’s President at the World Youth Forum in 2019.
In 2019, a generous fan donated a 1946 415C Ercoupe with tail number N26R (“two-six-romeo”) for Jessica’s use. With
an 85 horsepower engine, two seats for a pilot and a copilot/passenger, a cruising speed of around 90 miles per hour,
and a flying time of a little over three hours, N26R is a fair-weather airplane designed primarily for local daytime
flights. Because of the performance limitations, Jessica plans to build The Impossible Airplane, a 200 mph four-seat
RV-10 airplane with custom controls for Jessica to use.
Jessica teamed up with Emmy-Award-winning filmmaker Nicholas Spark to begin production of a documentary
chronicling Jessica’s life. Throughout a difficult childhood filled with bullying and heartache, Jessica fought for dignity and independence. She now works as a mentor to children with disabilities and their families in the USA and abroad, helping them overcome their situations just as her mentor once helped her.
It is a story about the power of inspiration and mentorship and about how everyone — those with visible disabilities and those without — can find the strength within themselves.
After more than 50 film festivals around the world, Right Footed won 14 major awards including Best Social Impact at
the Hollywood International Film Festival. It was also shown on National Geographic in more than 80 countries.
To book Jessica Cox contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com