Jessica Welter-Kolbo is a fearless pioneer. When the world was shutting itself away during the pandemic, she was starting a new business and setting out into the unknown. “From learning how to form an LLC to building a website, to creating a brand, to launching a program, and even filing taxes,” says Welter-Kolbo. “I had to figure out not only what hats to wear, but how to wear them.”
Ten years ago, she was successfully focused on print, marketing, and client relations as a professional, but Welter-Kolbo knew something was missing. “I felt a void in the work I was doing, despite growing in my roles, including promotions and being recruited by respected companies,” she says. “I knew it wasn’t as heart-driven as I needed my work to be. I wanted to make more of a difference than just helping a company with their ROI and printed materials. So, I took a brave step back and let myself breathe life into a new path.”
Welter-Kolbo had been working through the DDA community, utilizing her skills to help others and enrich community engagement. “I went through programs to become certified as a life coach, with a focus on mindset, transformation, and solution-focused approaches,” she says. “Due to the pandemic and the inability to serve those in person, I focused on launching virtual applications of this work and extended into personal coaching.” This line of work is one Welter-Kolbo is endlessly passionate about, investing her intelligence, heart, and soul into it.
Only two years following the launch of her business, Welter-Kolbo was invited to work with a reputable company whose mission focuses on serving teen girls. “I find so much fulfillment in helping others learn, grow, and cultivate change in their lives and beyond,” she says. “I hope to continue to mirror back to people their true potential.”
Independence and resourcefulness have always been integral to Welter-Kolbo’s success. She credits her ability to forge ahead without the aid of many connections as a major influence on the way she navigates her career. “I don’t recommend that path, but it was where I was at when seeking out a career; I had no prior connections with,” she says. “I suppose my greatest influence was just choosing to trust in myself first and seeing how help came along with the journey.”
As an active member of the community, Welter-Kolbo believes in leading by example and serving others through being an ally. “It’s being brave enough to admit that we are continuing to learn and seeking out the opportunity to do so, it’s seeing in others what they might not see in themselves, and it’s choosing to take the first step even when it’s scary,” she says. “When it comes to my community, I think leadership takes confidence to speak up for the ones who feel they don’t have a voice, being realistic to the changes we have to make now to secure our future, and being brave enough to do things differently.”
Even through challenging periods in her career, Welter-Kolbo’s grit has left her with valuable wisdom. “I have been taught that valuing yourself is sometimes the utmost priority to teach others to value you. This means your skill, your time, and your commitment.”
Knowing the value of independence when it comes to her own success, Welter-Kolbo would still advise those just starting in their careers to remember that community is essential to their story. “It’s a place where we can connect, learn, and find where we can belong,” she says. “I think this contributes to the success of people’s careers, but also their well-being as a whole. I know my communities have inspired me in so many ways, and I really appreciate how that has contributed to my journey both professionally and personally.”
In the years ahead, Welter-Kolbo looks forward to continued growth and learning. As someone who considers herself a “forever student,” the world will always be her oyster, especially in her work with Whatcom Young Professionals. “I have really enjoyed being a facilitator for meaningful work and conversations in this network and beyond,” she says. “I would love to see that continue to expand, and maybe someday, in a more direct sphere of local government. I enjoy being a part of meaningful change and integral direction.”
Fun Fact About Jessica Welter-Kolbo
- Jessica is an artist and loves to paint portraits! She has also been keenly practicing impressionist landscapes.
The Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and Whatcom Young Professionals have announced the 2026 Top 7 Under 40 honorees, recognized annually for their contributions as young professionals in Whatcom County. The awardees will be celebrated at the Barron Home Services-sponsored Top 7 Under 40 Awards on October 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal, where one will be named Young Professional of the Year. Click here for event details and tickets.
