Jessica Nabongo is a global citizen, master storyteller, and travel expert, who is the first black woman to have traveled to every country in the world. Named one of the 50 Most Notable People in Travel, by Travel and Leisure, Jessica uses her platforms to educate and inspire others to experience the world around them and build a global community, with an emphasis on bringing untold stories to the world. Her first book, The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World, published by National Geographic, was an instant bestseller. She is currently working on her second book, Catch Me In the Kitchen, a cookbook to be published by National Geographic in 2026.

Jessica works as a public speaker and moderator which has led to speaking engagements across the globe including keynotes in the Maldives, Peru, and across the U.S. She has spoken for numerous Fortune 500 companies and moderated conversations for conferences, the Oscars as well as interviewing Madame Vice President Kamala Harris.

A first generation American, Jessica was born and raised in Detroit by Ugandan parents. She attended St. John’s University in New York where she earned a degree in English Literature, later completing a graduate degree at the London School of Economics. She is also the founder of the lifestyle brand The Catch. When she’s not on a plane, she is home tending to her plants in Detroit.