It was cold when we arrived at Wisper Internet last Wednesday morning — the kind of cold that makes you huddle a little closer and move a little faster. But by 7:00 a.m., that chill had been replaced with warmth, laughter, and a whole lot of smiles.

That shift happened the moment Jessica Michalke walked into our classroom.

Jessica — owner of Live. Laugh. Illinois. a boutique real estate group in Shiloh — quite literally bounced in with an energy that filled the room. She’s no stranger to our students. She’s family. We first met her back in September at our Meet & Greet, and since then she’s become so much more than a guest speaker. Jessica is a proud financial investor in Silver Creek Area CEO, a mentor to our students, a constant supporter, and someone who even brought her entire family to Frost Fest in December. When she shows up, she shows up fully.

Last week, she led our young entrepreneurs in a way only Jessica can — by sharing her heart, her journey, and real-life lessons that can’t be found in a textbook. What makes her so magnetic isn’t just her success; it’s her genuine happiness, her unwavering belief in our students, and her willingness to support them in countless ways.

Jessica shared her story of growing up in rural Missouri, graduating high school, and giving community college a try — only to realize it wasn’t the right path for her. She worked a variety of jobs and, at just 21 years old, began learning what true leadership looks like. She reminded our students to trust their gut and not follow the crowd — advice that only carries weight when it’s lived out.

In 2017, Jessica welcomed her first baby and quickly realized that being a stay-at-home mom wasn’t where she thrived. So in January 2018, she earned her real estate license. Through hard work, resilience, and determination, she opened her own brokerage in July 2024. She introduced our students to BBA — Bounce Back Ability — explaining that the faster you recover from failure, the faster you succeed.

She encouraged them to ask questions — not just in class, but in life. To pause and truly understand a question before answering. To stay curious. To build a life with intention.

One of her favorite quotes, from Mary Kay Ash, perfectly captures how Jessica lives:
“Imagine everyone has an invisible sign hanging from their neck saying, 'Make me feel important.' Never forget this message when working with people.”

She reminded our students that their purpose is not tied to a job title, that self-discovery matters, and that advice should only be taken from people whose lives you’d actually trade places with. She spoke about gratitude, collaboration over competition, and building a culture rooted in integrity, community, and appreciation. And she challenged us all to be the change we wish to see.

Jessica didn’t just speak to our students — she poured into them. And we are so incredibly grateful for all the ways she continues to impact Silver Creek Area CEO: as a mentor, an investor, a cheerleader, and a constant presence who believes deeply in our kids and this program. Her time, her heart, her wisdom, and her unwavering support make a lasting difference, not just in our classroom but in the lives of our students. Mornings like this are exactly why Silver Creek Area CEO matters — and why people like Jessica make it so special.