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JESSICA LANE
AUSTRALIA
HER CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
Growing up with a supportive family, Jessica gained the confidence to explore new hobbies, from the arts like acting and singing, to ocean activities like surfing and swimming. Her family emphasized the importance of knowledge and gratitude, which fueled her passion for empowering others. Dedicated to her education, she excelled in writing, recognising its power. Frequent family holidays to sunny Queensland eventually led to a permanent move, where Jessica’s love for advocating for the environment truly blossomed.
HER MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
Jessica’s most memorable experience was scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef at sixteen, a moment that changed her life. Surrounded by stunning marine life, swimming alongside turtles and dolphins, she realised the importance of sharing the beauty of our planet with its native inhabitants. This inspired her to pursue an Open Water Scuba Diving Certificate and to study journalism, aiming to use storytelling to inspire others to protect the environment.
That moment and the emotions I was going through are carved in my heart.
SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT HER FAMILY
Jessica’s family are very close. Her mother came from Ireland with her parents as a young child and was raised in Victoria where she met Jessica’s father, who’s family came to Australia 200 years ago. Her grandmother, an artist, and her grandfather, an author, inspired her career trajectory and creative outlets. Jessica’s multicultural heritage embodies the spirit of Australia, the land of diversity.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING SHE’S EVER DONE
Jessica thrives outside of her comfort zone. After graduating high school, she took a gap year before starting university, during which she shaved off her long hair for the World’s Greatest Shave, raising nearly $10,000 and donating over 24 inches of hair to make four wigs for leukemia patients. Soon after, she left home for the first time to work on K’gari (Fraser Island), one of Australia’s heritage-listed sites and the biggest sand island in the world! Driven by a passion to explore the world, Jessica backpacked solo across Europe at nineteen, catching 18 planes in six weeks, volunteering in conservation efforts, and growing as a dedicated young activist.
HER TIPS TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE
Jessica is pursuing a career in environmental journalism to inspire activism through storytelling. She believes everyone can make a difference within their own circle of influence and, by uniting as a community, we can create real change for our planet. Staying informed about local issues is important, but one simple way to help from home is by shopping sustainably. With fast fashion responsible for over 10% of global greenhouse emissions, more than air and maritime travel combined, choosing ethical and local fashion can significantly reduce emissions and support eco-friendly practices.
A PROUD AUSSIE
Jessica is immensely proud of Australia's rich diversity, both in its breathtaking landscapes and its vibrant cultures. From the rugged coastlines to the serene rainforests, she feels a deep connection to the country's unique biodiversity. What makes her most proud, however, is that Australia is home to the world’s oldest continuing culture—the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—whose deep connection to the land and wisdom inspire her to advocate for its preservation. Through this, she represents not just the beauty of Australia, but its profound cultural heritage.
HER ADVOCACY
Jessica’s advocacy, "Dress for Tomorrow," focuses on educating and empowering people to make sustainable fashion choices today to protect our environment tomorrow. By addressing the destructive climate impact of fast fashion, she aims to inspire meaningful change. With a lifelong commitment to conservation and a passion for environmental journalism, Jessica is dedicated to advocating for a more sustainable world. Jessica uses her platform as a sustainable fashion model to drive the message that each item of clothing one purchases makes a difference for the environment.