Jessica Nabongo has seen the world — every single country in it. But no matter where her passport has taken her, it’s Detroit that remains home.
From road trips across the Midwest with her parents to crossing the finish line in the Seychelles as the first African American woman to visit every country in the world, Jessica’s journey is rooted in curiosity, courage, and culture — and it all began in the Motor City.
“Growing up in Detroit shaped everything. I was surrounded by diversity — Chaldean, Filipino, Polish, Indian, African communities. From a young age, I understood that people are just people. That’s what made me fall in love with the world,” she says.
Detroit has a vibe that’s unmatched. I love waking up to the sunrise over the river. The food scene is world-class. We’ve got festivals, biking trails, green spaces — and the people? They’re amazing. It’s easy here. It’s home.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
On October 6, 2019, Jessica landed in the Seychelles and made history. She became the first African American woman to travel to every country in the world — a feat achieved by fewer than 200 people ever.
“I didn’t do it to break a record. I did it out of curiosity — to see the world, to learn. But hearing from people around the world who were inspired by my journey, that’s what makes it special. It showed them what’s possible,” Jessica says.
Her book, The Catch Me If You Can, published by National Geographic, has become a global sensation — and in Detroit, it’s now part of the city’s curriculum, inspiring thousands of young readers each year.
Detroit Drives Us
Jessica’s love of travel began with the simple act of riding in the back seat of her father’s car — a Lincoln, then later a Cadillac Escalade. Whether it was a trip to Belle Isle, a road trip to Montreal, or music blasting on long rides to visit friends in Cincinnati, Jessica’s sense of discovery was sparked behind the wheel.
“So much of my childhood revolved around cars. We weren’t in the auto industry, but my dad loved vehicles — and music. For me, driving became a way to experience the world. Even today, I still love solo road trips. It’s where I find peace”.
She took that spark and turned it into a global flame. Her goal? Not to convince others to follow in her footsteps, but to show them that their dream life is possible.
“It doesn’t have to be nine-to-five. There are so many ways to live. You just have to believe it’s possible.”
Back in the D — by Choice
Despite living in places like Rome, Tokyo, London, D.C., and L.A., Jessica continues to choose Detroit.
“Detroit has a vibe that’s unmatched. I love waking up to the sunrise over the river. The food scene is world-class. We’ve got festivals, biking trails, green spaces — and the people? They’re amazing,” she says. “It’s easy here. It’s home.”
She’s not shy about Detroit’s impact on the world either:
“We gave the world cars. We gave the world Motown. House music. Big Sean. Eminem. Me. It’s about time people put some respect on Detroit’s name”.
Auto Show, Full Circle
Jessica’s connection to the Detroit Auto Show runs deep. She’s attended since she was a child — and remembers dressing up for Charity Preview as she got older. Today, she stands proudly beside the all-electric Cadillac Escalade IQ, the latest evolution of a vehicle that’s become part of her family’s story.
“My dad got one of the first Escalades in 2002. That was a big deal. Now, decades later, I’ve driven Cadillacs across the country, I bought my mom one, and here I am with the new Escalade IQ,” she says. “Cadillac is Detroit. Cadillac is luxury. And I am Detroit — and I am luxury.”
Her Drive. Her City. Her Show.
Jessica Nabongo is a living embodiment of what Detroit makes possible. Her journey — from Belle Isle to every country on Earth — is a reminder that our roots here can carry us anywhere.
And still, she always drives back home.