The time is now

Inspiring change, one act leads another.

Jessica Gale Friesen

2021

M

My Journey

I was born in St. Davids, Ontario, the oldest of three children. After obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Western Ontario I practiced as a Registered Nurse in both acute and long-term care. After the birth of my second child, I left health care and entered my family business in the petroleum industry – Gale Gas Bars, a delivery and chain of gas stations and convenience stores.


Since joining the family business, I have worked tirelessly, becoming the third-generation owner and Chief Executive Officer in 2014 of Gales Gas Bars. I helped shape and advanced the company’s corporate and community presence and continues to explore ways to give back to the community. I devote my time serving on several boards and have achieved Chartered Director designation.

 
Having suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of my first child, I realized that my story may be able to help others. With that in mind, I have now put pen to paper with the publishing of my first book, This Will Not Break Me. Always looking for a new project or challenge, while continuing to write passionately, run my company, sit on multiple boards, and play nurse to my two teens and husband.
 
 

B

Blogs

I love to write, and I have been embracing this passion of mine through my blog. This space is a creative corner for me to share my thoughts and experiences across a wide range of subjects. If there is a topic you would like me to explore, please let me know.

Personal Blogs
It doesn’t matter if I was wrong. Recently, I had an encounter with a man that made me uncomfortabl...

Personal Blogs
We all have the right to safety. It’s just after 6am on a Saturday and I’m sitting on my back porch....

Personal Blogs
The place that brings me peace. It’s just after 6am on a Saturday and I’m sitting on my back porch....

Professional Blogs
If nothing else, the one thing that Covid has really taught me as a business owner is the importance...

Industry Blogs
I’ve been writing on a platform called Medium for about six months. Six months of writing about 2–3...

Industry Blogs
In June of 2016, I received a strange phone call at my office. It was a representative from Harper’s...

E

Engagements

Since deciding to share more of my personal experiences to connect with and help others, I have been asked to speak at several events and guest on different shows and podcasts. I invite you to listen in and participate in the conversations we explore about mental health, corporate leadership and industry updates.

EngagementsJessica Gale Friesen
Join me on the Professional Insights podcast where the gentleman and I discuss supporting local, worldwide fuel prices, and philanthropy. We also discuss workplace harassment, where I share the detail...

EngagementsJessica Gale Friesen
1 in 5 Canadians struggle with their mental health, many in silence. These are the same people that you interact with every day. In order to break the stigma around mental health and truly help those ...

EngagementsJessica Gale Friesen
Before I decided to write my book, This Will Not Break Me, I gave a speech at a United Way that was very special to me – marking the beginning of me putting myself out there and sharing more of my per...

2022

M

My Book

Sharing my personal journey, I hope to help others identify with their own feelings and struggles, and seek the support they need.
This Will Not Break Me

2021

When I finally have the courage
to tell the world
Image
You Are Not Alone.
0
Statistics Canada reports that nearly 25% of mothers experience feelings of anxiety and depression after having a child.

R

Reader's Review

“This will not break me” opens up the dialogue on postpartum depression and normalizes the importance of self care during the 4th trimester. Jessica goes deep below the surface and chooses bravery over shame. She has an incredible gift to paint the picture of her experience and draws the reader in. I felt her pain. I empathized with her struggle and it provoked me to reflect on my own postpartum depression. This book connects women’s hearts and creates solidarity amongst mothers. We cannot improve what we don’t speak of. This book should be a mental health resource tool for all new mothers. I highly recommend this book!"
Cheryl
Ontario, Canada
I admire Jessie for her honesty and frankness. It is difficult for all of us to discuss our inner most feelings. She has done this in her detailed explanation of what it was really like from the inside out. As a nurse and a midwife, mother and grandmother it has given me an new insight into how post partem depression can affect a new mom. Her story will enable all of us to understand and to help others who are suffering. It is truly a brave and powerful book.
Beverley Alexander
Ontario, Canada
In Jessica Gale Friesen’s debut book, “This will Not Break Me”, Jessica writes her story that keeps the reader wanting to know more about the events in her life that pulled her down into darkness. An extremely powerful story of a young mom and her struggles to gain confidence and trust during the first few months of becoming a new mom. It describes in detail the darkness that can suck you in when there are no supports in place. Learn how she overcame her postpartum depression and the signs and symptoms to look for with all new moms. This struggle leads her on an entirely new path to create awareness for others. This is a must read for not only new moms but their significant other to help support the journey of parenthood together.
Jennifer Irvine
Ontario, Canada

Reader's Corner

Now that you've read my story, I would love to hear yours or your point of view!
Newsletter

Sign up to receive updates regarding Jessica’s speaking engagements, media appearances, tours, and book release updates.