Jess is of Ngāti Whātua and Ngāti Hine descent and has worked in a range of whānau-focused roles, including as a practising embalmer and funeral director, a Court Facilitator for NZ Police through Te Pae Oranga (Restorative Justice), and a health navigator supporting whānau to achieve their health and wellbeing goals.
Outside of work, Jess is actively involved at Ōrākei and Reweti Marae, helping in the kitchen, participating in kapa haka, and supporting waka taua kaupapa. She also enjoys diving, fishing, riding motorbikes, and spending time with her whānau.