Armless Pilot to Speak About Her Inspirational Life Journey

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Media contact: Tonya Lewis, (254) 710-4656
WACO, Texas (Nov. 17, 2014) – International keynote speaker Jessica Cox is a college graduate, licensed driver, Taekwondo black belt and certified pilot. She’s traveled to more than 20 other countries, met the Pope and recently got married — all without arms. Cox will present her speech, “Thinking Outside the Shoe” from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in Cashion’s 5th floor Banquet Room, 1401 S. 4th St. in Waco.
As a result of a birth defect, Cox, 31, was born armless. She has made it her life goal not to allow it to become a limiting factor. She has used her story as a platform for motivational speaking and advocacy in the United States and internationally.
“I personally cannot wait to hear her speak,” said William B. “Trey” Cade, Ph.D., director of Baylor Institute for Air Science.
Cox was the first person without arms in history to earn her pilot’s certificate.
Her story has been captured in the documentary, “RIGHT FOOTED,” which begins by showcasing Jessica’s unprecedented achievements and progresses into the launch of her career as a public speaker and mentor to disabled children and their families.
Cox has traveled to Ethiopia and the Philippines to advocate for disability rights. In the U.S., she has lobbied senators in Washington, D.C., on behalf of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a major international disability treaty.
Her presentation is a part of a joint effort by Baylor Aviation Science department, Baylor’s Academy for Leadership Development and Texas State Technical College.
“We believe Jessica Cox’s story can impact anyone who is struggling with adversity,” according to Jessica Cox Motivational Services website.
For more information about Jessica Cox, visit RIGHTFOOTED.
by Sarah Czerwinski, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805
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