Jessica Cox

Jessica Cox was born on February 2, 1983, in Sierra Vista, Arizona, without arms due to a rare birth defect. Growing up, she learned to navigate daily life using her feet, a skill that would later define her unique abilities and drive. At a young age, she decided to stop using prosthetic arms at 14, embracing her natural capability to perform tasks such as driving an unmodified car, typing at 25 words per minute, and even managing her contact lenses. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in communications from the University of Arizona in 2005.

Her career path has been marked by significant milestones demonstrating her adaptability and resilience. She began training in Taekwondo at the age of 10, earning her first black belt by 14. After resuming her training in college, she achieved her second and third-degree black belts in the American Taekwondo Association, and later a fourth-degree black belt in 2019. In 2004, Jessica experienced her first single-engine airplane flight through Wright Flight. This led to three years of flight training, culminating in her earning her pilot’s certificate on October 10, 2008. She is qualified to fly a light-sport aircraft up to 10,000 feet, notably using an ERCO 415-C Ercoupe, an aircraft that allows for control with her feet because it was designed without rudder pedals.

Beyond her personal achievements, Jessica Cox has become an internationally recognized motivational speaker, sharing her story in 26 countries. Her work focuses on helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience and adopt a growth-oriented mindset in the face of change. In 2015, she authored the autobiographical self-help book “Disarm Your Limits,” which further extended her message of overcoming challenges. Her impactful life story was also featured in the documentary “Right Footed,” directed by Emmy Award winner Nick Spark, which chronicles her humanitarian efforts and advocacy for disability rights.