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Jessica Cox

Jessica Cox

Keynote Speaker: World's First Armless Pilot & First Armless Black-Belt in the American Taekwondo Association

Jessica Cox Biography

Jessica Cox has gained international recognition as a keynote speaker delivering a message of inspiration. She was born without arms which led her to master the use of her feet to perform tasks that others do with their hands. She is a trailblazer, being the first person without arms to earn a black belt in ATA Martial Arts, earning her a place in the Guinness World Record. Cox holds the distinction of being the first armless person in aviation history to earn a pilot’s certificate. Having attained a bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in communications at the University of Arizona, Cox utilizes her education to emphasize the power of mindset over physical limitations. She has shared her motivational message in 26 countries throughout six continents.

Since her birth in Sierra Vista, Arizona, in 1983, Cox has not allowed her physical condition to limit her. Her determination and the support of her family propelled her to lead an extraordinary life, exploring the world using her feet. Her father was confident in her potential and contributed significantly to her self-confidence and exploration of the world.

In her early years, Cox's parents introduced her to a Taekwondo instructor named Jim Cunningham. He believed that she had the physical capability to participate in Taekwondo, with the only potential obstacle being her own attitude. Besides her existing black belt, she has achieved the second, third, and fourth-degree black belts in the American Taekwondo Association by the age of 14. In college, Cox joined an ATA Martial Arts club and continued her training in Taekwondo. She learned new techniques and skills in the ATA system and thus became the first armless person to earn a black belt in the ATA.

Cox is most renowned for her achievement as an armless pilot. Over the course of three years, with three flight instructors and four airplanes, she found the right aircraft, a 1946 415C Ercoupe Airplane. In 2008, Cox earned her Light Sport Pilot Certificate, qualifying her to fly a light-sport aircraft up to altitudes of 10,000 feet. She handles the airplane using her feet, with one controlling the yoke and the other the throttle. In 2011, her unique feat of flying an airplane with only their feet earned her a Guinness World Record. It is also notable that she is a certified scuba diver.

In 2012, Cox became a Goodwill Ambassador for Humanity and Inclusion, working with the Nobel Peace Prize-winning NGO to advocate for disability rights in various countries including Ethiopia, the Philippines, Nepal, and also at the US Senate.

Flying is a passion that Cox continues to pursue, often attending notable aviation events worldwide. Her efforts have earned her numerous awards, such as the Inspiration International from the Inspiration Awards for Women, UK, and a distinguished speaker award from Egypt’s President at the World Youth Forum in 2019. She also received several other accolades, including the Guinness World Record for The Only Pilot to Fly With Their Feet and the Most Aspirational award at the Inspiration Awards for Women 2012.

In 2019, a generous supporter gifted Cox a 1946 415C Ercoupe with tail number N26R, an aircraft she uses to demonstrate that physical limitations do not equate to inability. Cox's diverse accomplishments also include participating in the 40-mile El Tour de Tucson in 2014, and the publication of her self-help book, "Disarm Your Limits" in 2015. She has also appeared in a documentary titled Right Footed and prominently featured in the media. Cox continues to spread her message of empowerment through public speaking engagements and book signings, reaching out to audiences in various platforms including Facebook, news outlets, and public appearances.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Jessica Cox and other top speakers and celebrities.

Jessica Cox Speaking Topics

Achieve the Impossible

Innovation, Creativity, Motivation, Desire, Persistence, Fearlessness, Aviation, "Think outside the shoe"

Jessica Cox Videos

What are your fake arms? | Jessica Cox | TEDxTelAviv
Jessica Cox - International Motivational Speaker

How do I book Jessica Cox to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Jessica Cox for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Jessica Cox, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Jessica Cox or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book Jessica Cox for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for Jessica Cox, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Jessica Cox are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Jessica Cox, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does Jessica Cox speak about?

Jessica Cox is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Personal Growth, Innovation, Health, Empowerment, Entertainers, Overcoming Adversity, Comedy, Mental Health, Faith & Religion, Adventure, Cycling, Martial Arts, Disability, Anti-Bullying, Celebrity, Authors, Women, Education Motivation, Motivational, Fitness, Creativity, Diversity, Women's Empowerment, Teacher Motivation, Resilience, Non-Profit & Association, Asian Heritage, Space and Science.

Where does Jessica Cox travel from?

Jessica Cox generally travels from Portland, OR, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for Jessica Cox?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Jessica Cox for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Jessica Cox for your next private or corporate function.

What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Jessica Cox or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.


Jessica Cox is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Inspirational, Personal Growth and Innovation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jessica Cox for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Jessica Cox generally travels from Portland, OR, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Melissa Stockwell, J.R. Martinez and Jessica Long. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jessica Cox for an upcoming event.

Jessica Cox Speaking Topics

  • Achieve the Impossible

  • Innovation, Creativity, Motivation, Desire, Persistence, Fearlessness, Aviation, "Think outside the shoe"

Jessica Cox Videos

What are your fake arms? | Jessica Cox | TEDxTelAviv
Jessica Cox - International Motivational Speaker

Jessica Cox Reviews

  • I took away a quote "walls are only there to stop the people who don't want it bad enough". Seeing how Jessica has done so much really makes me think again about some of the things I may have not done because they were scary or difficult. Very inspirational and I will get out there and learn something new because of it. Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing your story. I plan to share the DVD with my team at work to inspire them.
    Boeing - Jun 29 2014

  • Jessica is the most empowering woman I've ever met. I've set my computer to play her YouTube videos every morning while I get ready. They remind me that if someone like Jessica can be such a positive person with the toes that god gave her. I can use my hands to me to help others. I want to hear more about how she goes about her daily life and how she deals with people's social interactions when they see her and all the assumptions they probably make.
    Unknown - Jun 29 2014

  • It just made me inspired to continue through everyday challenges with determination and perseverance. I just wish we could have allowed for more time for her to speak. I learned to not let your dreams go unfulfilled just because you're not perfect or perfectly suited for something. To persevere despite any hardships that life throws at you. Also to have a good outlook and keep your chin up.
    Internet Association - Jun 29 2014

  • Anything is possible if you believe in yourself, others and God. While Jessica related some wonderful and humorous stories, I would have loved to hear a more poignant and moving experience. Amazing, thought provoking and inspiring.
    Adventist Health - Jun 29 2014

  • Jessica has a strong sense of independence and persistence. Jessica is a great inspiration.
    The Boeing Company - Jun 29 2014

Jessica Cox News

  • Woman Born Without Arms Tells 3-Year-Old with Same Condition, 'You Can Do Anything'

    Jessica Cox was born without arms, and she hasn't let that hold her back in life. If anything, Cox has achieved more than the average person: She has a black belt in Taekwondo, she has her pilot's license, and she's an excellent pianist. And she's done it all without using prosthetic arms. Cox, 32, is also the subject of a new documentary, Right-Footed, and at the premiere on Friday, Cox met 3-year-old Ruth Evelyn "RE" Pranke, who was also born without arms. In the above video, Cox autographs a poster for the girl, grasping the pen with her foot but writing with immaculate penmanship, "You can do anything."

  • Powerful Lineup of Speakers on Tap for WAI 2016 Annual Conference in Nashville

    Megan Barry, the Mayor of Nashville, will join astronauts Dr. Rhea Seddon and Robert “Hoot” Gibson as each connects, engages, and inspires attendees at the 27th annual International Women in Aviation Conference, March 10-12, 2016, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Jessica Cox, world's first armless pilot and motivational speaker.

  • This armless woman can literally kick your ass | New York Post

    Jessica Cox is more than just an armless pilot. She also is the first person without arms to become a black belt in the American Tae Kwon Do Association, ...

  • Apl, Jessica Cox honored for helping Yolanda survivors

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Filipino-American armless pilot Jessica Cox and international entertainer Apl.de.Ap were recognized by the Philippine Embassy for donating their time and resources in helping in the recovery efforts in areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda. Cox received a plaque of achievement for her excellence in motivational speaking and her advocacy for the disabled. She has partnered with Handicap International to help those who were disabled during Typhoon Yolanda’s devastation...

  • Photos: Tucson woman Jessica Cox takes message of hope around the world

    A Tucson woman born with no arms is taking a message to impoverished and post-conflict countries, where people with physical impairments are often shunned and prevented from going to school. Jessica Cox, 30, traveled to Ethiopia this year as a guest of Handicap International, an aid organization that focuses on disabled children. Cox has been a full-time motivational speaker since graduating from the University of Arizona in 2005 and is increasingly focusing her attention on disability issues in impoverished countries. She recently visited Ghana, where she met people forced to the lowest tier of society because of their physical differences. Take a look at the gallery to view photos of Jessica throughout the years.

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