Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Josiah Jackson.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Dr. Josiah Jackson’s authenticity as an ordained minister, educator, motivational speaker, and parent advocate and caregiver coach; helps and encourages caregivers, adults, and youth to overcome, under diverse life’s stresses. She has a sincere passion for creating cohesiveness of people and community, through the pursuit of creative projects, servant leadership, and educational reform.
As the sixth child of eleven to Christian parents, the late Martha, and Harry R. Jackson, she received salvation at the age of 18 while in college. She has been a long-time member of Church of God in Christ, Inc.
She started her teaching career 30 years ago in the Minneapolis-St. Paul public, private, and charter schools as well as a parent advocate for Minneapolis Parent Information Centers. She has a powerful outreach to families in and out of school. She operates in and under the 5-fold ministry and fully comprehends the strategies and place in the body of Christ and educational systems.
Adding to her list of accomplishments as a current disciple of Jehovah Jireh of God in Christ, Inc., and Women’s International Speakers. Josiah is an experienced actor, writer, author, and publisher of three books, God Called Her Josiah, An Autobiography by Josiah Jackson, Leap of Faith, and Come Get These Kids.
Dr. Josiah Jackson’s, mantra is simple: She remains passionate about education; motivated, enthusiastic, excellent in her communication, and patient with children and families.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Throughout her journey, she faced challenges that included her teaching career, the death of her parents, being laid off jobs due to their lack of funding.
In 1995, a teacher didn’t want this African American boy in her class due to tantrums. My principal, an African American man felt, I could be the boy’s lifeline. Out of respect for my principal, I accepted the challenge. This young boy, Jack screamed for 2 hours the first few days in my classroom. By October, he screamed for an hour and 45 minutes. In March, he only screamed for 5 or less minutes. Jack finally received the special educational services he needed. It was a bittersweet moment for me to let him go to receive the services he needed. After all, he finally learned to trust me as his teacher.
In September of 1996, my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer and later died in December. January of 1997, I took a leave of absence from teaching to become the caregiver for my father. He later died, October of 2001.
In 2005, I worked as a parent advocate only to see the agency close due to funding. Once we closed, I found myself laid off for the first time. I wasn’t concerned or fearful of being laid off, it pushed me to keep going and follow my dreams. However, it led to three more laid offs due to funding, which ultimately led me to continue to help educate and minister to families.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
Dr. Jackson is a Parent Advocate Coach that specializes in helping parents get in the best possible position to advocate and speak on behalf of their child. As a parent advocate coach, she provides spiritual empowerment, encouragement, and enrichment to busy frustrated and stressed Black and Brown women in business or with jobs who have school children, to become dynamic parents by using strategic prayers, encouraging words, and motivation so they can become effective future leaders. She teaches parents how to ask questions, raise concerns, ask for help, and escalate problems, when necessary, the proper way, using the most effective channels using a parental blueprint digital program. People are drawn or connected to her through her encouragement, prayers, and charisma. She is a planter – a person sowing seeds for the community by praying, encouraging, and advocating for the growth of children and families.
During the 2020 COVID Pandemic, due to schools closing their doors and operating as distance learning sectors, she was contacted by families in need of educational support. Thus, writing and publishing her 3rd book, Come Get These Kids!
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
At some point, many people have had their share of successes and failures in life. Dr. Jackson calls these setbacks. There was a time when she was concerned about setbacks. Over time, she learned setbacks always made her stronger, bigger, and better. She has always been one determined and destined to reach her goals and give back to others. However, after facing challenges, the one person who validated her was now gone. That was her mother. She remembers when she started her first teaching job, her mother said to her, “teach for five years and then if you want to do something else, do that.” At least teach to get your feet wet. So, she did! Her mother’s death was the ending of her fifth-year teaching.
We all have our meaning for success. After growing up in a Christian home where the love, fear and a relationship with God was instilled and ingrained and education was the utmost concern in Dr. Jackson Success means having a relationship and following the path God ordained for her. It means having the light of Jesus Christ shine through her that she will shine HIS light upon others. In other words, she would tell others, to find success, the secret is loving and having a relationship with God. Then He will use you to bring joy to a world in need of HIS love.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success means seeking the guidance and wisdom of God, then accomplishing goals whether you succeed or fail. It is about doing your best at what you are comfortable and motivated to do. You win and are successful when you start.
What’s next for you?
Throughout her teaching career, she has always had opportunities to speak the gospel, pray, and encourage families. It was hard separating her love for God through ministering and encouraging others in secular arenas. However, as Nelson Mandala says, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” She enjoys educating, empowering, and encouraging families. In essence, what’s next for her ranges from having her status change from single to married, working as a parent advocate coach, prayer empowerment coach, traveling, and encouraging families as a motivational and inspirational speaker.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Websites:
www.josiahjackson.com
www.jo-siahjackson.org
Amazon:
www.amazon.com/author/josiahjackson
Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/survivingtheschoolsystem
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DrJosiahJ
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/josiahjackson
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/josiahj7
Email:
info@josiahjackson.com
info@jo-siahjackson.org
josiahltd@gmail.com