Iowa-Based Advocate

Advocating for Independence,
One Tool and One Team
at a Time.

Jessie Rudin champions for universal access through coaching, training, and technology.

Jessie holding Koko, a service dog, on a snowy bridge
Welcome to the world of Jessie Rudin.
Meet Jessie Rudin

Rooted in Community,
Shaped by the World.

✡ Jewish Identity & Values

I have been connected to Judaism for as long as I can remember. From the Minneapolis Jewish Day School to summers at Camp Herzl and leadership in BBYO, my identity is forged in the value of Tikkun Olam — repairing the world. These experiences taught me the importance of community, giving back, and leading with kindness — values that remain central to my life today.

🌍 Global Roots

I was adopted from Russia before my first birthday, and travel quickly became my first classroom. Having visited nearly every continent except Antarctica, these early experiences shaped my curiosity about the world and my deep appreciation for diversity. I believe everyone deserves to feel capable and supported, no matter where they are from.

🎓 The Path to Advocacy

My commitment to special education is personal. Diagnosed with dyslexia in 2nd grade, I learned early how to advocate for myself. Today, I use my degree from Drake University to normalize assistive devices and ensure that students with disabilities have the tools they need to navigate the world with dignity.

“Everyone deserves to feel capable and supported, no matter where they are from.”
Hands holding a globe
Jessie playing hockey in a hockey rink
Blake Bears → Drake University → Head Coach
Hockey Career

Breaking the Ice.

I started skating at age three, and the rink has been my second home ever since. After playing for the Blake Bears and Drake University, I stepped into leadership as an assistant coach.

Representation Matters

As a female coach in a traditionally male-dominated sport, I lead with confidence and empathy. My goal isn’t just to grow the game, but to build a community where players find strengths they never knew they had. To me, hockey is more than a sport; it’s a space to step away from stress and celebrate the success of a team.

Service Dogs

Partners in Independence.

Since 2019, I have worked with the Puppy Jake Foundation, training over nine service dogs for combat-wounded veterans.

The Mission

These dogs become an extension of their handler’s body — turning on lights, detecting seizures, and providing emotional grounding for those living with PTSD.

What I’ve Learned

Training a puppy from 9 weeks old teaches you more than just animal behavior; it teaches patience, problem-solving under pressure, and the profound impact of helping a veteran regain their independence. Watching a dog transform a life is the most rewarding work I do.

Jessie holding Koko, a black labrador service dog
Puppy Jake Foundation · Since 2019
a man in a wheelchair raising his hands in joy
Assistive Technology

Empowering Iowans With Disabilities.

Daily Impact

I help individuals find the specific tools they need to live independently.I help individuals find the specific tools they need to live independently which ranges from weighted spoons that allow a stroke survivor to eat soup again, to eye-gaze technology that gives a non-verbal person their voice back.

Personal Advocacy

Having navigated six concussions myself, I understand the frustration of memory loss and physical recovery. I specialize in sharing evidence-based resources and simple devices that make a tremendous difference in helping people regain their confidence after a brain injury.