Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazmyn Haywood.
Jazmyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am the eldest daughter of a teenage mother and a father who spent much of my childhood incarcerated. Today, I am a first-generation college graduate, a world traveler, and the founder of Jazz Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. My story is not defined by the circumstances I experienced, but by the unwavering support of my family, coaches, teachers, counselors, and mentors who believed in me, invested in me, and helped me recognize my own strengths. Their encouragement changed the trajectory of my life, shaped my purpose, and continues to drive the mission of Jazz Network: ensuring every girl has access to the support, opportunities, and encouragement she needs to thrive.
Sports became a transformative part of my life, teaching me resilience, discipline, leadership, perseverance, and confidence. Through basketball, I developed the skills and mindset that opened doors to playing collegiate basketball, studying abroad in England, earning both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and building a career in youth development, education, athletics, and nonprofit leadership.
In 2022, I founded Jazz Network to ensure more girls have access to the mentors, opportunities, and encouragement that shaped my own journey. Through mentorship, leadership development, workforce readiness, and sports-based programming, we equip girls ages 8-18 with the confidence, skills, and support they need to thrive in school, careers, and life.
Today, Jazz Network has secured more than $100,000 in funding, positively impacted hundreds of girls, and is expanding its presence across the City of Dallas to create year-round opportunities that empower the next generation of leaders.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has not been a smooth road. Building Jazz Network has required persistence, adaptability, and resilience. One of the biggest challenges has been securing sustainable funding to provide consistent year-round programming while navigating the competitive nonprofit funding landscape. Because our programs are offered free or at low cost to ensure they remain accessible to girls and families, we rely heavily on grants, partnerships, and community support. At the same time, I’ve been learning the ins and outs of leading and growing a nonprofit organization, from fundraising and operations to building partnerships and responding to the evolving needs of the community. Every challenge has strengthened both my leadership and our organization.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Jazz Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls ages 8-18 through mentorship, leadership development, workforce readiness, and sports-based programming. We believe every girl deserves access to positive role models, meaningful opportunities, and the skills needed to thrive in school, careers, and life.
What sets Jazz Network apart is our holistic approach to youth development. We create experiences that combine mentorship, leadership training, skill-building, career exploration, and sports to help girls build confidence, develop practical skills, and expand their vision for what’s possible. We also intentionally connect participants with women professionals, coaches, and community leaders who reflect the careers and futures they aspire to.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that Jazz Network was built from lived experience. The organization was created because I understand firsthand how supportive adults and access to opportunities can help address the leadership gender gap and change the trajectory of a young person’s life.
What’s next?
The future of Jazz Network is centered on growth, sustainability, and expanding our impact. We’re excited to establish year-round programming in Dallas, strengthen partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations, and increase access to mentorship, leadership development, and workforce readiness opportunities for girls.
We’re also developing new resources, including leadership workbooks, mentorship toolkits, and empowerment products that schools, nonprofits, and community organizations can use to support girls year-round. Long term, we envision Jazz Network becoming a nationally recognized organization that equips girls and women with the confidence, skills, and opportunities to lead in their schools, careers, and communities.
Above all, I’m looking forward to continuing to build an organization that creates lasting impact and helps the next generation realize what’s possible for their future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thejazznetwork.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_jazznetwork/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JazzNetworkInc
