Battle Ground community member Jessica Cole was recognized by the City of Battle Ground during the Battle Ground City Council’s Sept. 21 meeting, receiving the city’s BiG Heart Award from Mayor Eric Overholser.
The award recognized Cole’s continued involvement in the community, including her work with Evoke Cascadia and her efforts to encourage others to become involved in the community.
“Battle Ground proudly presents the BiG Heart Award to Jessica Cole in recognition of the heart you bring to our community,” Overholser said while presenting the award. “Year after year, you have shown up for Battle Ground and its people, giving your time, sharing your voice, and helping others feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Overholser also highlighted Cole’s frequent attendance at City Council meetings and her continued interest in local issues.
“Jessica Cole, I think you may have better attendance to regular city council meetings than most council members over the last … six years,” Overholser said.
He said Cole has demonstrated an “unwavering” pursuit of information and knowledge while showing care for others.
“I think this truly does embody this BiG Heart Award,” Overholser said.
Cole thanked the city council and those who nominated her for the recognition.
“Thank you so much. Thank you, the City of Battle Ground and the City Council for recognizing me with the BiG Heart Award. This does mean a lot to me,” Cole said.
She also thanked the people who have supported her community work, saying her efforts are rooted in wanting to create a better place for those around her.
“I'm incredibly grateful for the people who support me and the work I do to build a better community,” Cole said.
Cole credited her parents with teaching her that caring for others sometimes means standing up for people who are being treated unfairly.
“They taught me to be kind and respectful, but they also taught me that caring about people means standing up for them,” Cole said. “They were doing work for civil rights before I was even born, and through their faith, they taught me that we were supposed to care about people, especially when someone is being left out or treated unfairly.”
Cole said her children are another motivation for her community involvement.
“So much of what I do comes from wanting to leave them a city, a school district, and a world that is kinder, safer, and better than what we have today,” she said.
She also emphasized the importance of bringing together residents with different backgrounds and experiences.
“We don't always agree. We don't all have the same background, beliefs, identities, politics, or experiences, but I've learned that some of the best things happen when we make room for each other, listen to each other, and find ways to work together,” Cole said.
Cole also spoke directly to LGBTQ+ residents and other marginalized members of the community.
“You are part of Battle Ground and you belong here,” Cole said. “And to all marginalized people and people that are struggling and hurting, all of you, all of us, your lives matter, your families, your joy, your contributions, and your futures matter.”
Cole ultimately dedicated the award to those throughout Battle Ground who contribute to the community without receiving public recognition.
“A community isn't built by one person with a big heart, it's built by a whole lot of people, like about 23,000,” she said.
