May AOTM- Jessica Dewolfe

Get to Know Jessica!

Jessica (she/they) lives in Northeast Minneapolis with their partner of ten years and a crew of four cats. She is currently a public health professional working in substance abuse prevention at the Minnesota Department of Health. Jessica works to use community organizing in public health to build power in communities to create progressive change and equitable systems and policies. They’ve spent nearly a decade volunteering in reproductive justice and currently serve as a leader with the Reproductive Freedom Action Network – Twin Cities chapter of Pro-Choice Minnesota (PCM). So make sure to pay Jessica a visit at the PCM booth during pride!

“Jessica is so awesome!!! She came to all of the Friday Night Lights each week of the invitational and one week even ROCKED the workout on her own in a solo heat!!! We got to hang out at Arbeiter after FNL and she was so sweet and such a delight to hang with!!“ -Coach Cate

Finding Her Strength, Her Community, and Demoloshing Friday Night Lights!

In September 2024, she decided to try something new: building strength in a body-positive, queer-affirming gym space. Jessica shares “it’s important for me to be in spaces with communities that are inclusive and align with my values.” so Solcana seemed like the perfect fit!

Jessica hadn’t been to a gym since before the pandemic but was still active on her own. Jessica shares, “I was looking for classes to build strength, and wanted a body positive space. I've belonged to a lot of gyms since I was a teenager, and they were never a safe space. I had gym anxiety coming in (I cried on the first day) but found a welcoming, supportive community and body affirming space.”

Jessica started with an Empower class led by Coach Kaitlin, and by November 2024, she was a full-fledged member. Her goal wasn’t just physical strength—it was consistency, confidence, and connection. What she found was even better:

“I loved participating in the Invitational, and I’m especially proud I attended all five Friday Night Lights (and the happy hours after!). It was such a great way to meet members and coaches I wouldn’t usually see—because I am NOT a morning person.”

Jessica was surprised and delighted by how many people she recognized from other parts of her life: from the Empower class, people she knew from college and recognized from work. That familiarity, coupled with the Fat Fitness space and Solcana’s community vibe, made it feel like home.“Solcana feels like a special community where we all support each other’s goals in a positive and body-affirming way—which is invaluable for both my physical and mental health.”

There’s one move that Jessica discovered and now can’t get enough of: the Turkish getup. “I never would have had the confidence to attempt that before joining and being in this supportive community. Thanks Solcana!”

That newfound joy in strength work has become something reliable in their life. As Jessica puts it, “Not a lot of things in life are that straightforward of a reward—but at Solcana, if I come consistently, I see strength gains consistently.”

“Jessica locks in every single class. Her quiet dedication to quality movement is so inspiring. I love coaching her because she asks questions and continually takes time to work through any kinks or confusion with equal parts patience and laughter. I’m grateful for her support as a coach because she lets me know when she’s connecting with my coaching cues or if I’m talking nonsense 🤣” -Coach KK

“It has been such a joy watching Jessica progress! From her very first Empower classes, she has always had such an intentional approach to each lift. She has become a super consistent presence in the afternoon classes and I always look forward to coaching her! She works super hard, is kind and funny and sassy, and always has the BEST leggings!” -Coach Kaitlin

When They’re Not Lifting Weights...

Outside of the gym, Jessica is always doing something awesome. 

Jessica spends summers hiking, kayaking, and backpacking—and winters curled up with feminist novels, cooking delicious meals, and cuddling their cats. They’re always learning something new, whether it’s Spanish, bread baking, or how to make their own cleaning products.

They’re also a fan of burlesque, board games, yoga, craft beer, and travel—and they’re building a life filled with curiosity, care, and community.

Thanks Jessica for being such a great part of our Solcana Community! We absolutely loved seeing you destroy the workouts each Friday Night Lights! Keep on being the bright light and amazing human that you are!