Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Jackson-Guilford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The JJG STEaM Foundation, Inc. was birth from me receiving an answer of NO. After pulling together resources to begin providing a scholarship through another organization, I was reminded by God that I was not new to developing non-profit organizations as I had two organizations that I was instrumental in starting, Coalition for Healthy Communities, Inc. and RCB Athletics, Inc. So, I began the process and in October of 2020, I received my official IRS 501c3 approval with an effective date of August 14, 2020.
The mission of the JJG STEaM Foundation, Inc. is to create and foster a learning environment that inspires students to pursue future careers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts or math. In addition, the foundation provides support to graduating seniors that plan to major in those fields. The Board of JJG STEaM provided our first two scholarships for the Class of 2020. Based on support from the community, family and friends, our board of 5 are now able to provide a scholarship and scholar award for every high school in Rockdale and Newton County. To date, we have provided $11,000 in scholarships; supported school performing arts programs and provided computer donations. In addition, we have partnered with local organizations like 100 Girls of Code to provide scientific research experiences for budding scientists.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. My first challenge was determining the best route forward. Fundraising for a nonprofit can always be challenging. You have to test and determine which fundraisers work best for the organization and your audience and the timing is extremely important. Although donations are slow at times, our loyal support system is the key to our fundraising success. They see our vision and how we are giving back and want to be a part of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Although I am a scientist by training and worked in medical affairs most of my pharmaceutical career, I pivoted in October of 2018 to HR where I began working in the area of Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI). In my current role as Director of Strategic Pipeline Partnerships, I am responsible for developing and implementing our strategy to build a diverse early career and mid-level talent pipeline by partnering with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), HSIs (Hispanic Serving Institutions), and diverse collegiate and professional organizations. I have been with my current company, AbbVie for 17 years.
I have worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 25 years and I am most proud of my contributions in both areas of the businesses that I have been a part of; in medical affairs, I helped doctors make informed decisions for their patients and in my role in EEDI, I help students make an informed decision about their career. Ensuring students are aware of the opportunities in this industry is at least half of the battle. When I was finishing graduate school, I had to network and do my own research to determine my options,
I think what may set me apart from others is that I am truly a servant leader. Although busy with family, career and community service, I am always reminded of what was said at a eulogy many years ago, “What will one say about your dash between the dates of your birth and death?” My prayer is that my “dash” will reflect that I loved and helped people and used my talents to make a positive difference through my contributions.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t necessarily believe in luck. I have a strong faith, so I believe that my steps are truly ordered. A good example of this is when I contemplated a career move in 2015. I had two great interviews and my candidacy was not moved forward. I shared with God that obviously, this wasn’t the time and that I would be waiting patiently for what is next. What was next was the 360 degrees career move that I was able to make over to HR. If I had left, I would have never had this wonderful opportunity…a role that never existed that I was able to develop to aid in diversifying our early career talent pipeline. I absolutely love what I do!!
This was not my only time of adversity or failure; I have several examples…but what adversity has taught me is to continue to keep the faith and persevere. I am a very optimistic person whose glass is always half full, so for me I think as the quote says, “never a loss. always a lesson.” I know that what God has for me is for me!
Pricing:
- Donations for our scholarships are accepted through our website.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jjgsteam.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/jjgsteam
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JJGSTEAM
Image Credits
Image Credits: Personal Phone
