Jessica Clayton
REST, community services manager
Jessica oversees REST’s community services, this includes our community advocates and housing programs for survivors.
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
I would describe myself as tenacious because I don't give up easily, and I never stop trying—especially when it comes to things that I strongly believe in and my goals.
What is your favorite inspirational quote or best piece of advice given to you?
The best piece of advice I've received is from my mother when I was younger. I grew up as a figure skater, and sometimes I would let small setbacks get in my head and completely derail me. She used to tell me to think of setbacks as rocks. If you are swimming and holding onto a bunch of rocks, you have no choice but to drown. So you need to drop the rocks to save yourself. As a kid, you could often hear her telling me to "drop the rock" before I stepped out onto the ice to compete. As an adult, the "rocks" might look different, but the sentiment is still the same: you have to let go of the things outside of your control to keep moving forward. You have to drop the rock.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
I think everything we do at REST gives back to the community :) but the most recent example that springs to mind was our collaborative efforts (throughout the organization) to fulfill holiday wish lists for the individuals we work with. It was amazing to see everyone come together to make sure everyone had the holiday they deserved - full of love, magic, and light.
In honor of Women's History Month, can you spotlight a woman from either your life, history or your community who has personally inspired you?
It feels impossible for me to pick one person. I have been so lucky to be surrounded by so many strong and inspiring women, from my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and all of the women in my family, to the amazing women I work with. Every day they inspire me to show up as the best version of myself, pushing and challenging me to continue to grow.
As a woman community leader, how do you approach mentoring and supporting younger generations of women in your community to ensure a sustainable legacy of leadership and empowerment?
I take a vested interest in the personal and professional goals and dreams of the women in my life and seek out ways that I can support them—whether it's encouraging them to reach for their educational goals, helping to create opportunities or connections for them, or simply being someone they can come to who they know will listen. I was raised with the belief that we should always reach behind us to help lift somebody else up. This is a mindset that I try my best to embody in every sphere of my life because we are stronger together.