Jessica Tobes is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. As a second-generation Filipino American, she is passionate about enhancing AAPI voices in her community, especially surrounding issues such as mental health and media representation.

She has been involved in numerous AAPI advocacy groups, engaging with organizations such as Act to Change, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, and Girls ASPIRE as a Youth Ambassador. Additionally, she is involved in online literary publications like Cathartic Lit Magazine and BreakBread Magazine. In her free time, she loves rating films on Letterboxd, traveling with her family, and solving the New York Times’ daily Wordle.

Jessica joined Thriving Asians while in high school in 2024 as a Youth Mental Health Ambassador. She engaged her local AAPI community - spearheading a partnership with North Carolina Asian Americans Together, and facilitated the Thriving Asians Workshop “Redefining Mental Health: A Foundation for Success” at their Youth Leadership Institute at UNC Chapel Hill.

Additionally, Jessica served as a peer co-facilitator at Thriving Asians’ annual mental health workshop for Act to Change Youth Ambassadors. She also served on the Thriving Filipinos Committee - sharing insight to Filipino youth mental health experiences, which were elevated at the 2025 Philippine Consulate General in NY Evening with Distinguished Women in Mental Health.

Jessica continues to grow her leadership at Thriving Asians - now serving as a Senior Intern.