Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqlene Monét
Hi Jacqlene, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Rooted in the vibrant streets of Southern California, my journey was shaped by a large, supportive family that celebrated heritage and resilience. As the eldest child, I embraced leadership early, guided by parents who were not only protectors and providers but also profound advocates for change. My mother, a trailblazer and leader within the Black community at her workplaces, and my father, a talented artist, businessman, and resilient stroke survivor, instilled in me a deep pride in my Blackness and a responsibility to be well-informed about our history. Alongside them, I strived to be a role model for my younger brother, setting an example of integrity and determination that I hope will inspire his own path.
Athletics and academics provided the foundational arenas for my early achievements, where I thrived as an award-winning student-athlete and sharpened my focus while earning dual bachelor degrees in fashion design and merchandising at California State University of Long Beach. These experiences reinforced my understanding of teamwork, presentation, and strategic thinking—skills that I would carry forward into my career.
My professional path led me through the dynamic and challenging world of the tech industry, where I not only adapted but innovated, creating new strategic roles and departments and also establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to champion diversity and inclusion. This work not only shaped my career but also deepened my commitment to advocacy and empowerment.
From California to New York City and eventually Atlanta, each city added depth to my life’s narrative. Confronting personal health challenges like Fibromyalgia and a significant Fibroid Robotic Myomectomy surgery, I grew in resilience and purpose, driven to advocate for others’ wellbeing and empowerment.
The inception of JM Legacy Group, LLC was a natural progression of my life’s work—melding corporate advocacy with a commitment to community uplift. Here, my personal and professional missions converge to foster an environment where empowerment and advocacy aren’t just taught but are embodied.
Today, my story is one of resilience, creativity, and community leadership, inspired by the legacy of my parents. It’s a narrative forged through love, cultural pride, and the unyielding belief in the power of voice and action—principles that I carry into every engagement, aiming to ignite that same passion in others.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The incredible road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, yet every challenge has been an invaluable part of my growth. Navigating the competitive fields of fashion and technology presented its own set of challenges, from the relentless pace and pressure to innovate to the personal battles with health that often seemed to strike at the most inopportune times.
In the tech industry, I faced the daunting task of carving out new roles and departments that did not previously exist, advocating for innovation in spaces where it was often overlooked. Establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and leading them was a struggle, requiring not just the buy-in from leaders and peers, but a cultural shift within organizations that were sometimes resistant to change. Especially during the sensitive time of racial injustices in during the 2020 Covid-19 Quarantine.
My personal health has also been a significant battleground. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia at 30 in a city far from home, and later facing major surgeries for feminine health issues, I’ve had to learn the hard lesson that sometimes the biggest advocate you need is for your own health and well-being. These experiences, though incredibly tough, have taught me the importance of self-care and listening to one’s body. Having a strong village of support also helped get me through these challenging times.
Moreover, moving across states—from California to New York, and then to Atlanta—each relocation brought with it a set of emotional and logistical challenges, from building new networks to finding my place in new communities.
Despite these hurdles, each obstacle has strengthened my resolve and deepened my empathy for others facing similar struggles. These challenges have not only shaped who I am as a leader and advocate but have also underscored the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the power of a supportive community.
JM Legacy Group was founded from a commitment to help others overcome their challenges by using the lessons from my own journey. We provide support and empowerment, focusing on the belief that everyone deserves to be heard and to realize their potential. Our aim is to foster resilience and self-advocacy, making a tangible difference in the lives we touch and creating a lasting impact.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As the founder of JM Legacy Group, my work is rooted in speaking, moderating, and voice narration with a distinct focus on self-advocacy and empowerment. My specialty lies in identifying strategic gaps within organizations and crafting new roles and departments that directly align with business needs. This skill set stems from a profound knack for gap-analysis—seeing a problem and innovatively crafting solutions through diligent research and strong cross-functional relationships in my network, from the CEO down.
I am particularly proud of my ability to translate these strategic initiatives into impactful business changes, earning recognition as an award-winning strategist on a large company level. While my role in establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) showcased my capacity for leading diversity and inclusion efforts, my broader work has always been about enhancing business efficacy and alignment with core strategic goals.
What sets me apart is not only my expertise in navigating and reshaping the corporate landscape but also how I merge this with personal narratives of resilience from battling chronic health issues like fibromyalgia. At JM Legacy Group, we don’t just discuss change; we enact it, fostering environments where individuals and organizations are empowered to address challenges with actionable and transformative solutions.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, the speaking and event industry is set for some exciting changes. Imagine using virtual and augmented reality to reach audiences all over the globe, making them feel like they’re sitting right in front of you, no matter where they are. This isn’t just cool; it’s a game changer, breaking down all the usual barriers to how we share knowledge and inspiration.
Then there’s AI, like ChatGPT, which will help us tailor our talks to exactly what the audience needs to hear, making every session super relevant and engaging. Plus, we’ll be able to sprinkle our points with real-time data to back up our claims, making our presentations not only inspiring but also incredibly convincing.
Authenticity will be key, too. People want to hear from speakers who really mean what they say and who contribute to their communities. It’s about being real and making a genuine connection.
And lastly, let’s not forget the rise of niche topics. With AI’s help, we can dive deep into specific subjects that fire up both us and our audiences. Keeping up with these tech and trend shifts will be essential for staying on top of our game and truly making an impact.
Pricing:
- Discovery Session: Complimentary 30-minute consultation to discuss your needs and how I can best serve you.
- Keynote Speeches: Starting at $5,000, customizable based on event requirements and travel needs.
- Workshops and Seminars: Rates begin at $3,000, varying with workshop length and content customization.
- Panel Moderation and Event Hosting: Starting from $2,000, dependent on event size and duration.
- Virtual Engagements: Flexible pricing starting at $1,000 for webinars and online workshops.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jacqlenemonet.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacqlenemonet/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacqlene.corbin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacqlenemonet
- Other: Discord: jacqlenemonet
Image Credit
Kb Photography owned by Ke’Dejia Houston
