Jess Sheppard is the co-founder and co-director of Desafio Dance Company, which she runs alongside her partner and husband, Luis Alberto. Together, they are nationally recognized salsa and bachata instructors, performers, and competitors known for their dynamic style and technical precision. Jess has taught and performed at major dance events across the U.S., including the Reno Latin Dance Fest, Las Vegas Super Congress, LA Bachata Festival, San Francisco SBK, Orlando Salsa Congress, Chicago International Salsa Congress, Bachateando, and the Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival, among others. Her classes emphasize strong technique, fluid body movement, and musicality.

In addition to her dance career, Jess is also the founder of Standing O Cosmetics, a performance-focused makeup line designed to meet the unique needs of dancers and stage artists.