Jessica Sim was inspired to do peace work while listening to her 8th grade civics teacher speak about philanthropy and civic engagement. Discovering that some of her fellow students were homeless, Jessica started the Philanthropy Club with the help of her sister. She was also motivated through leadership training programs including the Courageous Leadership Institute and Commonwealth of Virginia Institute for Open-Mindedness, which strive to equip students to reach across differences and understand perspectives other than their own. The club’s first project, a drive to support needy families, raised $5,000 by partnering with other clubs and through direct solicitation of area businesses, churches, and the PTSA. The club also delivered over a thousand hand-made Valentine cards to seniors in rehabilitation centers and organized outdoor schoolground cleanups during the pandemic.

Two years later, Jessica started Being Better Bruins, a club focused on social justice, civic engagement, and citizenship, which has successfully run a classroom supply drive in response to a school-wide teacher survey. The club plans to work on a speaker series addressing issues such as  LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. Outside of school, Jessica serves as a commissioner on the Fairfax County Student Human Rights Commission, which has created a mental health website for teens and an art contest focusing on fair housing. Currently, the Commission is setting up a panel of local officials, including the FCPS Superintendent, to discuss Governor Younkin’s transgender policies. Jessica is recognized for her civic service as a recipient of both the Silver and Gold President’s Volunteer Service Awards and the Clifton Community Women’s Club Service Award. She also enjoys welcoming students as a Bruin Ambassador.