Jessica Cox

Jessica Cox

Keynote Speaker: World's First Armless Pilot & First Armless Black-Belt in the American Taekwondo Association

Jessica Cox Biography

Born in 1983 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Jessica Cox has learned to live her life with her feet. There were many questions at the time about whether Cox would be able to live a “normal” life. However, Cox’s father has said he never shed a tear about her birth condition. He had full confidence in her potential. With the support of her parents and family, Cox became confident in herself as an adult and continued to explore the world with her feet.

At the age of 14, Cox earned her first black belt in the International Taekwondo Federation. After graduating from high school, Cox attended the University of Arizona, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. When talking about her degree, she frequently explains that psychology credits the way people think with having a greater impact on their lives than a physical limitation. During college, Cox joined an ATA Martial Arts club and became the first armless person to earn a black belt in the ATA.

Cox’s most famous accomplishment was learning how to fly. It took three states, four airplanes,three flight instructors, and three years to find the right aircraft: a 1946 415C Ercoupe Airplane. In 2008 Cox earned her Light Sport Pilot Certificate. She received the Guinness World Record for being the first person certified to fly an airplane with only their feet in 2011.

In May 2012, Cox married in the beautiful city of South Pasadena, CA. In the fall of that same year, she became a Goodwill Ambassador for Humanity & Inclusion, a Nobel Peace Prize winning NGO, and advocated for disability rights in Ethiopia, the Philippines, Nepal, and the US Senate.

Flying continues to be a passion for Cox as she attends many of the largest aviation events in the world. Along the way, she has been recognized for numerous awards, including Woman of the Year from the Tucson Hispanic Chamber, an honorary doctorate from Universidad Santander in 2023, and a distinguished speaker award from Egypt’s President at the World Youth Forum in 2019.

In 2019, a generous fan donated a 1946 415C Ercoupe with tail number N26R (“two-six-romeo”) for Cox’s use. With an 85 horsepower engine, two seats for a pilot and a copilot/passenger, a cruising speed of around 90 miles per hour, and a flying time of a little over three hours, N26R is a fair-weather airplane designed primarily for local daytime flights. Because of the performance limitations, Cox plans to build The Impossible Airplane, a 200 mph four-seat RV-10 airplane with custom controls for Cox to use.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Jessica Cox and other top speakers and celebrities.

Jessica Cox Speaking Topics

Achieve The Impossible

Adaptability is the key to survival. As industries face constant fux, the ability to adapt hinges on embracing a mindset shift. By fostering a culture of openness to change, resilience, and innovation, businesses can effectively navigate uncertainty and seize new opportunities with confdence.

In this keynote, Jessica ignites a spirit of innovation and underscores the transformative potential inherent in setbacks—they serve as pivotal moments for resilience to flourish. This paradigm doesn’t only endorse resilience, creativity, and adaptability but actively cultivates them, laying a sturdy foundation for navigating the ever-changing landscape.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Recognize adaptability as a cornerstone of success and develop the mindset needed to thrive in dynamic environments
  • Capitalize on emerging opportunities and leverage setbacks as catalysts for innovation
  • Develop a sturdy foundation for navigating change with resilience, creativity, and adaptability
  • Explore strategies for embracing change with confdence and agility
  • Gain practical insights into how to effectively navigate complexities and challenges while maintaining focus on organizational objectives

Ideal Audience:

  • Entrepreneurs
  • Emerging Leaders
  • Employee Resource Groups
  • Students

Think Outside The Shoe

Organizations must adopt a problem-solving mindset as a driving force for change, recognizing challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. When teams build a culture that encourages proactive problem solving, businesses can effectively navigate complexities, adapt swiftly to evolving landscapes, and thrive in dynamic environments.

In this keynote, Jessica sheds light on the power of unconventional thinking by urging audiences to embrace innovative solutions. By thinking outside the shoe, teams can re-frame their perspectives to approach problems with curiosity, ingenuity, and boundless creativity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Understand the importance of a problem-solving mindset as a key to overcoming challenges
  • Learn to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and development, seeing obstacles as catalysts for innovation
  • Discover techniques for embracing unconventional thinking and fostering a culture of creativity within teams and organizations
  • Explore real-world examples of unconventional thinking to drive innovation and achieve breakthrough results
  • Develop skills and tools for cultivating a culture of innovation, encouraging experimentation, risk-taking, and creative problem-solving

IDEAL AUDIENCE:

  • Marketing Professionals
  • Designers
  • Tech Professionals
  • Product Innovators

Aviate, Navigate, Communicate

Navigating change involves prioritizing three actions: aviating, navigating, and communicating. “Aviating” involves maintaining a steady course amidst turbulence, similar to a pilot ensuring the stability and control of an aircraft during fight. “Navigating” entails charting a clear path forward by assessing the current landscape, identifying potential obstacles, and plotting the most efficient route to reach desired destinations. Finally, “communicating” is essential to ensure alignment, foster collaboration, and maintain morale throughout the change process.

Drawing from her own experiences, Jessica shows how setbacks can be re-framed as opportunities for growth. By accepting failure as a natural part of the journey, teams can cultivate a culture of resilience that allows them to bounce back stronger than ever before.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn strategies for navigating change, including proactive planning, strategic decision-making, and adapting to evolving circumstances
  • Explore techniques for maintaining stability and control amidst turbulence
  • Develop skills for charting a path forward, assessing the landscape, identifying obstacles, and creating adaptable plans
  • Understand the importance of continuous evaluation and adjustment in navigating change
  • Discover strategies for fostering resilience and agility to embrace change, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities for growth

IDEAL AUDIENCE:

  • Executives and Fortune 500 leaders
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Salespeople

Jessica Cox Videos

Jessica Cox | Empowering Change and Innovation | Motivational Speaker
What are your fake arms? | Jessica Cox | TEDxTelAviv
Jessica Cox - International Motivational Speaker

How do I book Jessica Cox to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Jessica Cox for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Jessica Cox, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Jessica Cox or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Jessica Cox for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Jessica Cox, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Jessica Cox are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Jessica Cox, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Jessica Cox speak about?

Jessica Cox is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Personal Growth, Innovation, Change Management, Health, Empowerment, Entertainers, Overcoming Adversity, Comedy, Mental Health, Faith & Religion, Adventure, Cycling, Disability, Anti-Bullying, Celebrity, Authors, Women, Educational Motivational, Christian, Storytelling, Motivational, Self-Improvement, Fitness, Creativity, Diversity & Inclusion, Women's Empowerment, Resilience, Non-Profit, Asian & Pacific Heritage, Astronauts and Science.

Where does Jessica Cox travel from?

Jessica Cox generally travels from Portland, OR, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Jessica Cox?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Jessica Cox for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Jessica Cox for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Jessica Cox or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Jessica Cox is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Inspirational, Personal Growth and Innovation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jessica Cox for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Jessica Cox generally travels from Portland, OR, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Melissa Stockwell, J.R. Martinez and Amelia Rose Earhart. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jessica Cox for an upcoming event.

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 12/09/2024.

Jessica Cox Speaking Topics

  • Achieve The Impossible

    Adaptability is the key to survival. As industries face constant fux, the ability to adapt hinges on embracing a mindset shift. By fostering a culture of openness to change, resilience, and innovation, businesses can effectively navigate uncertainty and seize new opportunities with confdence.

    In this keynote, Jessica ignites a spirit of innovation and underscores the transformative potential inherent in setbacks—they serve as pivotal moments for resilience to flourish. This paradigm doesn’t only endorse resilience, creativity, and adaptability but actively cultivates them, laying a sturdy foundation for navigating the ever-changing landscape.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Recognize adaptability as a cornerstone of success and develop the mindset needed to thrive in dynamic environments
    • Capitalize on emerging opportunities and leverage setbacks as catalysts for innovation
    • Develop a sturdy foundation for navigating change with resilience, creativity, and adaptability
    • Explore strategies for embracing change with confdence and agility
    • Gain practical insights into how to effectively navigate complexities and challenges while maintaining focus on organizational objectives

    Ideal Audience:

    • Entrepreneurs
    • Emerging Leaders
    • Employee Resource Groups
    • Students

  • Think Outside The Shoe

    Organizations must adopt a problem-solving mindset as a driving force for change, recognizing challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. When teams build a culture that encourages proactive problem solving, businesses can effectively navigate complexities, adapt swiftly to evolving landscapes, and thrive in dynamic environments.

    In this keynote, Jessica sheds light on the power of unconventional thinking by urging audiences to embrace innovative solutions. By thinking outside the shoe, teams can re-frame their perspectives to approach problems with curiosity, ingenuity, and boundless creativity.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Understand the importance of a problem-solving mindset as a key to overcoming challenges
    • Learn to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth and development, seeing obstacles as catalysts for innovation
    • Discover techniques for embracing unconventional thinking and fostering a culture of creativity within teams and organizations
    • Explore real-world examples of unconventional thinking to drive innovation and achieve breakthrough results
    • Develop skills and tools for cultivating a culture of innovation, encouraging experimentation, risk-taking, and creative problem-solving

    IDEAL AUDIENCE:

    • Marketing Professionals
    • Designers
    • Tech Professionals
    • Product Innovators

  • Aviate, Navigate, Communicate

    Navigating change involves prioritizing three actions: aviating, navigating, and communicating. “Aviating” involves maintaining a steady course amidst turbulence, similar to a pilot ensuring the stability and control of an aircraft during fight. “Navigating” entails charting a clear path forward by assessing the current landscape, identifying potential obstacles, and plotting the most efficient route to reach desired destinations. Finally, “communicating” is essential to ensure alignment, foster collaboration, and maintain morale throughout the change process.

    Drawing from her own experiences, Jessica shows how setbacks can be re-framed as opportunities for growth. By accepting failure as a natural part of the journey, teams can cultivate a culture of resilience that allows them to bounce back stronger than ever before.

    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    • Learn strategies for navigating change, including proactive planning, strategic decision-making, and adapting to evolving circumstances
    • Explore techniques for maintaining stability and control amidst turbulence
    • Develop skills for charting a path forward, assessing the landscape, identifying obstacles, and creating adaptable plans
    • Understand the importance of continuous evaluation and adjustment in navigating change
    • Discover strategies for fostering resilience and agility to embrace change, overcome challenges, and seize opportunities for growth

    IDEAL AUDIENCE:

    • Executives and Fortune 500 leaders
    • Entrepreneurs
    • Salespeople

Jessica Cox Videos

Jessica Cox | Empowering Change and Innovation | Motivational Speaker
What are your fake arms? | Jessica Cox | TEDxTelAviv
Jessica Cox - International Motivational Speaker

Jessica Cox Reviews

  • I took away a quote "walls are only there to stop the people who don't want it bad enough". Seeing how Jessica has done so much really makes me think again about some of the things I may have not done because they were scary or difficult. Very inspirational and I will get out there and learn something new because of it. Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story. I plan to share the DVD with my team at work to inspire them.
    Boeing - Jun 29 2014

  • Jessica is the most empowering woman I've ever met. I've set my computer to play her YouTube videos every morning while I get ready. They remind me that if someone like Jessica can be such a positive person with the toes that god gave her. I can use my hands to me to help others. I want to hear more about how she goes about her daily life and how she deals with people's social interactions when they see her and all the assumptions they probably make.
    Unknown - Jun 29 2014

  • It just made me inspired to continue through everyday challenges with determination and perseverance. I just wish we could have allowed for more time for her to speak. I learned to not let your dreams go unfulfilled just because you're not perfect or perfectly suited for something. To persevere despite any hardships that life throws at you. Also to have a good outlook and keep your chin up.
    Internet Association - Jun 29 2014

  • Anything is possible if you believe in yourself, others and God. While Jessica related some wonderful and humorous stories, I would have loved to hear a more poignant and moving experience. Amazing, thought provoking and inspiring.
    Adventist Health - Jun 29 2014

  • Jessica has a strong sense of independence and persistence. Jessica is a great inspiration.
    The Boeing Company - Jun 29 2014

Jessica Cox News

  • Woman Born Without Arms Tells 3-Year-Old with Same Condition, 'You Can Do Anything'

    Jessica Cox was born without arms, and she hasn't let that hold her back in life. If anything, Cox has achieved more than the average person: She has a black belt in Taekwondo, she has her pilot's license, and she's an excellent pianist. And she's done it all without using prosthetic arms. Cox, 32, is also the subject of a new documentary, Right-Footed, and at the premiere on Friday, Cox met 3-year-old Ruth Evelyn "RE" Pranke, who was also born without arms. In the above video, Cox autographs a poster for the girl, grasping the pen with her foot but writing with immaculate penmanship, "You can do anything."

  • Powerful Lineup of Speakers on Tap for WAI 2016 Annual Conference in Nashville

    Megan Barry, the Mayor of Nashville, will join astronauts Dr. Rhea Seddon and Robert “Hoot” Gibson as each connects, engages, and inspires attendees at the 27th annual International Women in Aviation Conference, March 10-12, 2016, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Jessica Cox, world's first armless pilot and motivational speaker.

  • This armless woman can literally kick your ass | New York Post

    Jessica Cox is more than just an armless pilot. She also is the first person without arms to become a black belt in the American Tae Kwon Do Association, ...

  • Apl, Jessica Cox honored for helping Yolanda survivors

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Filipino-American armless pilot Jessica Cox and international entertainer Apl.de.Ap were recognized by the Philippine Embassy for donating their time and resources in helping in the recovery efforts in areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda. Cox received a plaque of achievement for her excellence in motivational speaking and her advocacy for the disabled. She has partnered with Handicap International to help those who were disabled during Typhoon Yolanda’s devastation...

  • Photos: Tucson woman Jessica Cox takes message of hope around the world

    A Tucson woman born with no arms is taking a message to impoverished and post-conflict countries, where people with physical impairments are often shunned and prevented from going to school. Jessica Cox, 30, traveled to Ethiopia this year as a guest of Handicap International, an aid organization that focuses on disabled children. Cox has been a full-time motivational speaker since graduating from the University of Arizona in 2005 and is increasingly focusing her attention on disability issues in impoverished countries. She recently visited Ghana, where she met people forced to the lowest tier of society because of their physical differences. Take a look at the gallery to view photos of Jessica throughout the years.

  • How do I book Jessica Cox to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Jessica Cox for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Jessica Cox, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Jessica Cox or any other speaker of your choice.
  • How much does it cost to book Jessica Cox for a speaking engagement?

    Speaking fees for Jessica Cox, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Jessica Cox are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Jessica Cox, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Jessica Cox speak about?

  • Where does Jessica Cox travel from?

    Jessica Cox generally travels from Portland, OR, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
  • Who is the agent for Jessica Cox?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Jessica Cox for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Jessica Cox for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Jessica Cox or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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