@the_jessica_lee

http://dealornodeal.cnbc.com/jessica-lee

If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive who would they be?

My biological mom, my biological dad, and Thich Nhat Hanh. I was adopted and have yet to meet my biological parents; I’ve never even seen a picture of them and I hope to one day have the opportunity to meet them.

What is one word you’d use to describe yourself?

Empath.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

All of my volunteer and humanitarian work. I’ve been volunteering since I was in elementary school and it has been one of the most valuable life lessons. I was elected chairwoman for a panel in high school that worked with the city council and mayor to help coordinate youth volunteer opportunities. For the last decade, I have served as a volunteer leader and co-chair of a non-profit literacy program in LA that serves low income and high needs elementary schools.

If you could be someone else for one day who would it be?

Ohhh that’s a good question! Being YOU is always a great go-to, as there is only one you. But for fun, I would want to be Ellen DeGeneres because I adore her spirit and how she gives back, OR Kevin Durant because I wish I had those basketball skills.

What has your experience working with the other briefcase models been like?

Casting and production did an incredible job finding such an amazing group of women! To curate such a finely tuned group of women, whose personalities align, is a magical task and they did it because all of these women are awesome; they’re like sisters to me.

“Growing up in Colorado, I never realized that THIS, my career, what I do, was possible.”

— Jessica Lee

Do you have any memories of watching the original “Deal or No Deal”?

For me, the most memorable part of watching the original “Deal Or No Deal,” aside from Howie’s charisma and wit, was the briefcase models and how meticulously streamlined their wardrobe and styling was. They’re iconic, like the Rockettes.

What does being on “Deal or No Deal” mean to you?

To me, being a “Deal Or No Deal” model means so much. I am so incredibly grateful to be here and to have the opportunity to inspire children and adults to dream and to live their dreams. If I can inspire at least one child, to dream and think beyond what is tangible in front of them, and give them the courage to chase, build and live their dream; then my job is done. Growing up in Colorado, I never realized that THIS, my career, what I do, was possible. I didn’t know that acting and modeling could be a career and discovering that was one of the best gifts ever, as it launched me to follow my dream, and build and create my own path every single day. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can only hope to inspire others. I want to make a difference in this world.

What is the wackiest fun fact about you?

The wackiest fun fact about me is that I can fix just about anything, be it a human bodily injury or a house. I am really good at a multitude of random skills. I can do yard work, fix holes in walls and do woodwork. I know how to grout and tile, tie and bait a mean fishing line, and I can still do perfect splits.

Do you speak another language? If so, what languages do you speak?

I actually know some sign language. If you watch closely, you’ll see Sweet 16 signing “love” “deal” and “thank you” during the shows. I aspire to sign fluently, one day, so I can communicate with the hearing impaired and/or translate. It’s always been a goal and dream of mine. I also took years of German but cannot speak it fluently.

Jessica Lee only wants to deliver good news with her ‘Deal or No Deal’ briefcase.

@the_jessica_lee