Jessica Lee’s story is only one of many that are told and retold across Chicago’s immigrant communities. But her path from newcomer to successful entrepreneur is particularly notable given her drive and determination, and how it led to the founding of a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping others build brighter futures.
A first-generation immigrant who is also deaf, Jessica is currently the owner of two UPS stores in Chicago. Throughout her path to success, she has always invested in people seeking opportunities for a more secure and stable future. This commitment helped establish Pursue the Dream, a program that aims to support individuals in achieving financial confidence, housing security, and personal advancement.
The nonprofit reflects Jessica’s fundamental belief that no disability or disadvantage should prevent someone from pursuing their dreams. The journey may require more effort and time, but the possibilities can be boundless.
Overcoming Early Challenges
As a deaf first-generation immigrant, Jessica had to overcome significant challenges from the very beginning, navigating a new country without the ability to hear. Although gifted with creativity and resilience, she knew that education was the key to forward progress. She therefore committed herself to studying biochemistry, business law, and accounting at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and DePaul University, where she later earned an MBA and CPA certification.
Even as she pursued her education, Jessica launched several restaurants and nightclubs while still in her twenties. These endeavors demonstrated her ability to transform creative ideas into successful businesses and gain valuable experience in entrepreneurship. Even so, they were merely steps on her path to larger and potentially more significant pursuits that would help shape her future goals.
Expanding Into Entrepreneurship
Jessica later became a business consultant and enterprise solutions architect. Over a decade in these roles, she helped streamline operations for many smaller companies and assisted Fortune 1000 firms in designing stronger IT systems. This combined corporate and entrepreneurial experience shaped her understanding of what growing businesses and working families need.
To be sure, the road to success held additional challenges. Apart from the struggle of fitting in society, Jessica also has a hearing impairment and is a single mother of two. Even so, she has never allowed these factors to limit her potential. In fact, what others might see as obstacles often served to fuel her drive and passion.
Enduring Commitment to Service
Perhaps one of the most notable aspects of Jessica’s immigrant journey is her commitment to serving the community. She has consistently demonstrated this advocacy by hiring individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, supporting second-chance workers, and assisting small businesses with day-to-day operational needs.
Through it all, Jessica remains focused on providing others with meaningful opportunities that lead to tangible results. Through her efforts, she helps build confidence in people who might otherwise be neglected or overlooked.
Jessica has since extended her influence into local advocacy. Today, she actively supports organizations such as St Jude Hospital, Cabrini Green Legal Aid, and the Women’s Business Development Center. She also champions resources that strengthen neighborhoods and support economic growth through her involvement with the Edgewater and Rogers Park Chambers of Commerce.
Pursue the Dream is the culmination of Jessica Lee’s desire to break down barriers she once faced. In the face of financial, communication, and housing challenges, immigrants can turn to the nonprofit for guidance in overcoming those challenges and realizing achievable goals.
By sharing her own story of succeeding despite being deaf, Jessica hopes to inspire others to recognize that disabilities and disadvantages need not limit their aspirations.
To support Pursue the Dream’s mission of empowering Chicago’s underserved communities, visit www.pursuethedreamnfp.org.
