Community Spotlight: Jessica Chang Irish
Welcome to the first entry of my Community Spotlight project! The goal of this project is to connect with local business owners, learn how they are connected here, what services they offer and what they love about being here.
I recall when I was first looking to move out to Modesto, California and googled the city, a lot of what was posted suggested staying far away! Thankfully, we had an open mind, visited the city and learned there was a lot of benefits to being here. It’s easy to get blinded by the negativity of things and really I wanted to shine a light on the people who help to bring positive things to the community and surrounding areas.
Without further ado, meet Jessica Chang Irish!
Jessica, runs her own consulting business, Jessica Chang Consulting, where she helps others become more confident in their communication skills. You’ll find her on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, sharing valuable nuggets of information to help one become a better presenter (in person or on camera), networking ninja, public speaker, interviewer and so much more! If you’ve ever found yourself fumbling for what words to say, wanting to ace a job interview, become a better public speaker, be sure to reach out to her!
We recently spent time together at her studio, where she broadcasts her presentations, and got to learn more about her and what she loves about the Central Valley.
Q: What brought you to the valley?
A: I moved from San Francisco to Turlock in 2011 to be with my then-boyfriend-now-husband. I'm glad I made that life-altering decision! We now have a 3-year-old son, a mini-weiner dog, and a beautiful home together.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in the area?
A: I love going to the Turlock Certified Farmers Market in downtown Turlock on Saturday mornings. The energy is vibrant and it's so fun to bump into friends in the community to catch up and see how much our kids have grown. And the products are delicious and diverse - from cookies to soaps and candles and, of course, fresh fruits and vegetables.
I also love going to the hip hop cardio class every Thursday evening at Alegria Performing Arts Academy in downtown Turlock. Hip hop dance and music (especially from the 90s) invigorate me, so the class is a perfect outlet for me to have fun, exercise and destress.
Q: Favorite places to eat?
A: La Mo in Turlock, Concetta in Modesto, Fina in Ripon
