It’s Me …
If you ask me what I do - I will tell you that I get to do some cool a** work! I get to impact the lives of others across platforms. I will tell you that I am an introvert that values a deep connection and understanding of people. I people until I cannot peoples no more.
My time in education as a student, a mom of two kids in college, classroom teacher, faculty member and administrator led my husband and I to start our own company - J Morris Enterprises, LLC. Through J Morris Enterprises (JME), I spend time coaching, consulting, training and public speaking. I have a focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Personal and Professional Development, Business Development with Women, and workshops and training on Intentional Living.
My journey has been life building and legacy changing. And, that is what I believe all of the work is intended to be - life building and legacy changing. I am thankful that my people believed in education and work ethic. I am thankful that people prayed for me along the way and picked me up, dusted me off and sent me on my way. The journey to self-awareness and authenticity happened for me with each high and all the lows.
I want to be seen and known as a partner who is honest. Who works hard. Who misses the mark sometimes, but still leans in. Who is clear in all correspondence and communication. Who values others - whether they are close or at a distance. Who is willing to take a risk. Who is honest. And, who “GSD” (get ish done) all while valuing people.
In 2020 I was invited to envision and develop the Jerry J. Dawson Civic Leadership Institute (DCLI) for high school students. DCLI is a multi-million dollar project funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation that connects high school students to civic related careers from healthcare to public safety and local governance. Through DCLI students have explored healthcare professions, become certified nursing students, worked as interns with major community employers and graduated debt-free with an associates degree. The work is to impact, advance and change and lives of students.
I taught my first college class at 23 years of age. Which means that education has been my jam for almost 30 years. I have been fortunate enough work from the classroom of public K-12 to an administrator. Similarly, I have spent some in the college classroom as well as an administrator. From accreditation and recruitment at historically black colleges and universities - to adjust faculty at private liberal arts.
Working with college and university presidents, foundation directors and other agencies and entities I have learned that the most value I can add is of being authentically me. In building our business - I can only show up to clients as me. The hardest challenge and the easiest challenge is betting on me. And, each time it has paid dividends - both expected and unexpected dividends.
I would be happy to work alongside you or your organization to impact lives that expand the capacity for change. I am a fierce advocate of equity and inclusion and truly believe that we need one another & are much better together.
Let’s get together!!!
Education
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Doctor of Philosophy
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Master of Science
UNIV OF IL @ SPRINGFIELD
Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics
SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE in ILLINOIS
Associate of Arts
Training
Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative (ELI) Certified Facilitator
EMP Certified (Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile)
Certified Trauma & Resilience Practitioner and Trainer (Starr Commonwealth)
Certified Diversity Executive (CDE) - Institute for Diversity Certification
Master Financial Coach - Dave Ramsey
John Maxwell Certified Public Speaker