Jesse Lipscombe isn’t afraid to hold tough conversations.
An actor, former athlete, activist and entrepreneur, Jesse is ready to take on any challenge (or dream) and make it happen.
The Alberta native began his acting career at the age of 14, starring in the film Children of the Dust alongside legendary actor Sidney Poitier. However, Jesse put his acting career on hold at age 18 when he accepted a full athletic scholarship at the prestigious Morehouse College in Atlanta. There, he thrived as a breakout track star.
Now, between his many ventures, Jesse continues to not only act but also produce many award-winning films and television productions (It’s Not My Fault, I Don’t Care Anyway, Tiny Plastic Men). You may also have seen Jesse in Netflix’s hit show, Black Summer.
Outside of the arts, Jesse invests in various businesses and runs a consultancy inspired by the #MakeItAwkward campaign he launched (with his wife, Julia) in 2016 to combat racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred. He works with organizations and leaders to help them understand and address racism. In 2023, Jesse published his debut novel, Jars, a coming-of-age story about acceptance, self-discovery and the adventures of being a young person struggling to find their place.
In 2017, Jesse was the recipient of the Obsidian Award for Top Business Leader in Western Canada. That year, he was also named the Community Man of the Year by Diversity Magazine.
Through it all, Jesse makes it his top priority to give back to his community. Jesse works with various annual charity fundraisers and partnerships in his home base of Edmonton.
Jesse Lipscombe, with the #MakeItAwkward Campaign, speaks during the Edmonton Peace Day Celebration at City Hall in Edmonton, Alberta on Wednesday, September 21, 2016. PHOTO BY IAN KUCERAK /Postmedia via Edmonton Journal
Watch Jesse Lipscombe take on the TED Talk stage to talk about #MakeItAwkward.
“As Jesse so elegantly said, “Compassion moves at the speed of empathy.” It is clear that Jesse lives this value through his actions and ongoing commitment to making the world a better place.”
Assistant Principal, École Leo Nickerson School