Jessica “Fortune” Fenner is a dedicated force in the Midwest music industry. With over 25 years as a DJ, event producer, and talent buyer, her work also spans artist representation and consulting under her brand, Apart. 

During the first years of her DJ career, Fortune was the only woman playing her local venues. Similarly, she became the first woman and minority in her city to make electronic music event production a full-time profession. Responding to these dynamics, she launched the Apart Internship program and Apart Artists, mentoring and platforming emerging talent. Today, she also designs panels, workshops and leads Apart Agency, providing tools and representation for a roster of diverse DJs and producers.

Rooted in her native England’s early underground but schooled in the deep legacy or her current home Chicago, Fortune is regularly found at renowned venues, from Chicago’s Smart Bar to San Francisco’s The EndUp, Brooklyn’s Superior Ingredient’s to Bristol’s Dojo. Festivals include Charivari, Chicago House Music Festival, Summerfest, Spring Awakening and The Great Beyond. She’s directly supported numerous icons like Honey Dijon, Green Velvet, Joey Beltram, Kaskade, LP Giobbi, Claude VonStroke. 

A Mindfulness Meditation Teacher (MMTCP certified) and Public Allies alum, Fortune approaches all aspects of her work with intentionality and purpose. Combined with her chosen sober lifestyle, she promotes self-care as foundational and is a strong advocate for survivors and safer, braver spaces. Whether as artist, mentor or entrepreneur, Fortune’s focus is empowerment, access and fair, thriving industry culture.