Jessie Rudin: A Life Built on Purpose, Service, and Strength

Driven by the core value of utility, Jessie Rudin has dedicated her life to being a resource for others. Whether she is coaching on the ice, training service dogs, or helping individuals regain independence through assistive technology, her work shows a strong commitment to improving lives in meaningful ways.

Her story begins long before she held any formal titles or roles. Adopted from Russia before her first birthday, Jessie Rudin grew up with a natural curiosity about the world. Travel became an early classroom for her, shaping her understanding of different cultures and perspectives. After visiting nearly every continent, she developed a lasting belief that all people, regardless of where they come from, deserve to feel capable, supported, and seen.

Raised in Minneapolis, Jessie’s Jewish identity played a key role in shaping her values. From her education at the Minneapolis Jewish Day School to summers at Herzl Camp and leadership roles in BBYO, she was surrounded by a community rooted in connection and responsibility. The idea of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world, turned into a guiding principle that influences her choices and commitments daily.

Jessie’s path into advocacy started with her own experiences. Diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade, she learned early how to navigate challenges and speak up for her needs. This foundation grew stronger over time, especially after she sustained several concussions during her hockey career. These experiences gave her first hand insight into the realities of learning differences and brain injury recovery. Today, she brings that perspective to her work as an assistive technology specialist, helping individuals find practical tools that restore independence and confidence. From simple adaptive utensils to communication devices, she focuses on solutions that meet people where they are.

Hockey has been a defining force in Jessie’s life. She first stepped onto the ice at three years old, quickly making it feel like home. Years of playing at every level taught her discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. She played various positions, always adjusting to her team's needs, and carried that same mind-set into her transition from player to coach.

As an assistant coach and mentor, Jessie combines technical knowledge with genuine care. Coaching is not just about skill development for her. It is about helping players build confidence, trust themselves, and discover strengths they did not know they had. As a female coach in a traditionally male sport, she understands the value of representation. Her presence behind the bench offers something meaningful to young athletes, especially girls still learning to see their potential.

Outside the rink, Jessie Rudin has spent years training service dogs for combat-wounded veterans through the Puppy Jake Foundation. Since 2019, she has trained over nine dogs, each carefully prepared to support a veteran dealing with physical or psychological challenges. These dogs learn to perform life-changing tasks like retrieving medication, providing mobility assistance, detecting medical events, and offering comfort during moments of distress.

This work requires patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of both the dog and the person they serve. For Jessie, it is among the most meaningful work she has ever done. Watching a dog help a veteran regain independence is rewarding and serves as a reminder of what is possible when care, skill, and purpose come together.

A common thread runs through everything Jessie does. She is motivated not by obligation but by a genuine desire to contribute. Her work is not about recognition or traditional achievements. It is about making an impact, often quiet and unseen, but deeply felt by those she helps.

From the ice rink to training fields to one-on-one support sessions, Jessie continues to show up where she is needed most. Her life reflects a belief that small, consistent actions can create lasting change. In every role she takes on, she remains guided by the same values that have shaped her from the beginning community, resilience, and a commitment to improving the world, one person at a time.