Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Jennifer O. Jackson.
Dr. Jennifer, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a grateful product of two amazing educators out of the “pine trees” of East Texas. At an early age, I had to learn how to embrace my curves and height, and that education would unlock many doors for me. Who knew that the three partnered with faith in God would lead me to my current positions. I’ve learned never get too wrapped up in one achievement that you are blinded to move on to the next mission point. After graduating high school, I went on to PVAMU which exposed me to mission work outside the US and granted me the bug for travel. Which led me on to go to Pharmacy School In Hampton, VA at Hampton University. Being there was liberating… the Emancipation Oak was literally feet away from the Pharmacy School parking lot.
I knew that God had began to take me on a journey that would bring me to some pretty amazing places, such as working “across the pond” to help structure a women’s Faith Initiative in England or Competing in Pageants to Be a voice for an isolated at times beautiful demographic of Plus Sized women globally as Ms. Plus Intercontinental 2019 of the Miss Plus World System. The process has felt grueling at times while facing what felt like failures granted me muscle to be a comeback kid on life matters, and share with others as long as you have breath in your body… you CAN change!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In high school, my insatiable desire for dance was awakened. I wanted quietly to become THE NEXT DALLAS COWBOY CHEERLEADER! That was my family’s favorite home team!! Oh yes… sidelining being a doctor! There was no comparison to the release I felt when I danced, but a rising concern began to rise that I was never privy to… I was a little more curvy than the rest. So my mom took me to “the local weight doctor” who would help me fit the mold. Well, that brought on other health matters but didn’t answer my need to feel accepted for me. I had no idea what the world I was asking for wanted you to fit certain molds. I went on to dance some in college but turned my focus over to education since my curves didn’t seem to be changing the more I pressed.
I challenged myself to tap into as many things that sparked my interest and would make me grow. No sooner than I knew it, I was in one University pageant that led to another. Being challenged to compete exposed me to working to always present my best self, and to learn about time & season. I learned that my beauty didn’t have to mimic another. My faith confirmed my uniqueness.
I hadn’t won a pageant until I returned at 35 to compete for Ms. American Elegance Woman which led to Mrs. All World Beauties and my current title Ms. Plus Intercontinental 2019 where my platform is Be The Glo – Building families Globally. One woman at a time. I partner my life experiences, strength from learned failures and relentless optimism to strengthen women. I know that I am a voice for many unheard women Globally. No matter if you hail from the trees of East Texas or the Congo – every woman should take up space as shared beautifully by Ms. Universe.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
My impact is global! I work in my local Community as a Walmart Pharmacist/ Pharmacy Manager. I am an adjunct Professor at Texas College. I also assist to train and prepare their pageantry delegates to compete. I partner with my husband, Laramie, to pastor Temple of Deliverance and Healing (TODAH), International Worship Center. I speak throughout the nation at various events, judge pageants, mentor young ladies and volunteer globally. My brand is simply named…Dr. J. It is in honor of the original founder and dean at Hampton University School of Pharmacy, Dr. Arcelia Johnson-Fannin who is a trailblazer within the field of Pharmacy. I am extremely proud of the work I have been graced to do. I am now seeing the seeds I have been able to share with others bloom as people dare to challenge their norms… and return to share with me about it.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
Diversity, inclusivity and opportunities. Although, I believe we have come a long way culturally to where we are. I believe there is still so much further for us to go as we continually grow in acceptance of other beauty and position. Opportunities are at times limited based upon not fitting into a standard mold. I am truly grateful now for the ear to opportunities being given to include plus-sized voices. The demographic has a deep well of opportunities that will resonate globally if heard and projected well.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 903.283.7618
- Email: drjennifer.jackson@gmail.com
- Instagram: BeTheGlo2019
- Facebook: The Reigning Ms. Plus World
- Twitter: @jennzjackson
- Other: FB: J O’Neal Jackson
Image Credit:
Keione Young Photography
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