Jessica Smith is a dedicated mother of four, a wife, a leader, and an advocate with a deep passion for transforming her personal tragedy into meaningful change. Her journey to founding the Isla Jade Foundation began from her own heartbreaking experience. Like many expectant mothers, Jessica went into the hospital, in active labor, filled with excitement, expecting to deliver a healthy baby. Instead, she was met with devastating news—her baby, Isla, had passed away. Faced with the heart-wrenching reality of delivering her daughter, knowing she would never take her first breath, Jessica navigated a complex emotional journey that would later inspire her life’s mission.

In the aftermath of Isla’s stillbirth, Jessica realized how isolating and misunderstood this form of loss can be. She experienced firsthand the gaps in support within healthcare settings, limited bereavement resources, a lack of compassionate maternity leave policies, and a general lack of understanding in society at large. Recognizing the critical need for emotional and practical support for families facing similar losses, Jessica established the Isla Jade Foundation with a clear mission: to provide compassionate care and education for families grieving the loss of a baby through stillbirth.