Jessica Morales is more than a food safety specialist—she’s a passionate advocate for public health, a barrier-breaking entrepreneur, and a proud Puerto Rican woman whose journey from the kitchen to consultancy has been defined by purpose and resilience.
Raised in Puerto Rico, where food, family, and hospitality are cornerstones of the culture, Jessica’s path into the food and beverage industry felt natural. But it was an early, sobering experience with a foodborne illness outbreak that truly shifted her focus. “It affected a local business and its employees deeply,” she recalls. “It was preventable. That’s when I knew I needed to do more.”
In 2006, Jessica became a certified food safety manager. Just three years later, she launched her own food safety training business—becoming the first on the island to offer on-site, appointment-based classes and exams. Her innovative model prioritized customization and convenience: “Every kitchen is different. I wanted to meet people where they were—literally and figuratively.”
Jessica’s approach is deeply rooted in accessibility and cultural connection. As a bilingual instructor fluent in both English and Spanish, she ensures her students understand not just the what of food safety, but the why. “Being bilingual is one of my strongest tools. It opens doors,” she says. One particularly moving experience involved a food truck owner overwhelmed by the certification process. “We reviewed the material in Spanish, her preferred language, and she passed. That certification gave her credibility and helped grow her business. That’s the kind of impact I strive for.”
Her passion for education extends beyond instruction. As a consultant and proctor with a leading third-party health inspection company, Jessica bridges the gap between regulatory requirements and real-world application. “Compliance is important, but so is practicality,” she explains. “My goal is to make food safety part of a company’s culture—not just a box to check.”
Jessica’s versatility has made her a respected figure in the field—having served as an inspector, instructor, and proctor. Each role informs the next. “Inspection shows me what needs improvement. Teaching lets me be part of the solution.”
Her entrepreneurial spirit also led to the creation of conVIDA Cocktail Lounge, a space that merges her passion for hospitality with her unwavering commitment to food safety. “After 30 years in the industry, it’s incredibly fulfilling to run a business that embodies my professional values and personal vision,” she says.
Joining the EduClasses® family as an EduProctor has expanded her reach, allowing her to offer more flexible and bilingual training across Puerto Rico. Her advice to aspiring instructors? “Go for it—especially if you’re passionate about education and public health. Remember, you’re not just sharing information. You’re shaping the future of food safety.”
Looking ahead, Jessica is eager to continue growing conVIDA and develop programs that empower other women in hospitality. “Food safety is about more than rules—it’s about dignity, trust, and community health,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Jessica Morales stands as a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership. With every class she teaches and every business she supports, she is not only raising standards—she’s building a safer, stronger, more inclusive food industry.