Jessica Smith (swimmer)
Jessica Tace Smith OAM is an Australian Paralympic swimmer and motivational speaker.
Swimming[edit]
Smith swam for Australia for seven years and represented Australia at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece.[1]
Career[edit]
Jessica Smith OAM PLY, is a leading international advocate for diversity and inclusion, and accessibility.
As a keynote and motivational speaker, writer, lecturer and using her social media presence, Jessica helps facilitate honest conversations about diversity and accessiblity to highlight practical solutions to improve the lack of inclusivity within society. She combines personal experience with her academic research to formulate strategic initiatives to help people understand the complexities associated with disability and inclusion, and in doing so, delivers genuine social impact.
Jessica was born missing her left arm, then at 18 months old suffered terrible burns from an accident that left her with permanent scarring on her neck and chest. Far from holding her back, she worked tirelessly and determinedly to become a world-class swimmer, representing Australia for seven years and competing in the 2004 Paralympic Games.
Since retiring from swimming, Jessica has devoted her life to advocating for diversity and inclusion on the global stage, and draws on her sporting career to help tell a powerful story. An engaging and highly sought-after speaker, she has shared her journey and disability insights in schools and universities, workplaces and community organisations, including the United Nations.
Jessica is known for fostering trusting, professional relationships with colleagues and clients alike, and has built a solid reputation for providing considered and informed advice which resolves varying challenges associated with inclusion and accessibility. Driven by integrity and respect at all times, Jessica safeguards and builds relationships with longevity; delivering results with wisdom and attentive diplomacy.
Alongside 20 years of international professional experience in mental health and health promotion, Jessica is also the author of a critically acclaimed series of children’s books, Jessica Goes to School, Jessica Goes Swimming & Jessica Joins the Band, the books are about disability and acceptance. Jessica is also an ambassador and Patron for various organisations.
After more than two decades training and advising Governments, NGO’s, policy makers and organisations about the importance of accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities, Jessica is now a freelance disability inclusion consultant, with global clients spanning from Australia to the Middle East, Europe and the USA.[2]
Author[edit]
Published in December 2022, the Just Jessica Series children's books were written by Smith as a resource for children to learn about the importance of difference, disability and inclusion.[3]
Jessica also writes opinion pieces for TIME.
Speaker[edit]
Smith is a world renowned speaker and event MC. She has taken the stage twice at TedX events, as well as Forbes & TIME events, and is considered one of the world's most inspirational speakers.
TED Talks:
Living in an inaccessible world
Forbes Interview:
I want you to see my disability!
Awards[edit]
Smith was awareded the Community Impact Award by the Australian Business Council in Dubai for her work in the field of diversity and inclusion.
Smith was awarded Australia's highest honour, the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2019 for service to the community and dedication to sport.[4][5]
In 2017 she was awarded a Cosmopolitan Woman of the Year as a Game Changer.[6]
She was named an Emerging Leader by the Australian Government at the Positive Body Image Awards, and received a Pride of Australia Medal in Western Australia.
In 2015, she was a state finalist for Young Australian of the Year.
Personal life[edit]
Smith was born in Sydney, Australia. Jessica was born without her left forearm. As a young child she sustained serious burns to 15% of her body after an horrific kitchen accident while wearing a prosthetic hand. In her teens she overcame eating disorders (anorexia and bulimia) and depression.[7]
Smith married Hamid Salamati in 2015[8] and has three children.[9] She later converted to her husband's Islam at his family's request.[10]
References[edit]
- ^ "Jessica Smith's journey from disability to self-acceptance". www.abc.net.au. 29 July 2015. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
- ^ "Jessica Smith". Saxton Speakers. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Little Miss Jessica Goes to School (Hardback)". The Aussie Hands Foundation Inc. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ Hourigan, Adam. "One Grafton local honoured with OAM". Daily Examiner. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Jessica Tace SMITH". It's an Honour. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- ^ "COSMOPOLITAN celebrates the 2017 Women of the Year Award Winners". Bauer Media Advertising. 31 May 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ Lavalette, Tristan (12 September 2013). "Jessica Smith uses Paralympic pain to fight body image dangers". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Paralympic swimmer's perfect day". www.dailytelegraph.com.au. 4 May 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "ABOUT". JESSICA SMITH - OAM. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Paralympian Jessica Smith converted to Islam for her husband's family". MamaMia. 12 March 2017. Retrieved 3 December 2020.