Today we’d like to introduce you to Jada Capri Ward.
Hi Jada Capri, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m so excited to be interviewed again. I have been really busy since my last interview with Shoutout Atlanta, and now I get to share it with you all at Voyage. Just to recap, I’ll briefly explain my journey. I have been performing (dancing, acting, singing, and modeling) for just about all of my life. I started recreationally as a kid and continued all the way through college, participating in dance teams, drama clubs, and choirs. I attended St. Mary’s College of Maryland and double majored in Political Science and Music. For my music major, my concentration was voice, and I was classically trained in five different languages. While attending SMCM, I was also a part of many organizations where I first began to establish my roots in advocacy and activism.
I graduated college in May 2019 and soon after I began working for Congress in Congressman Steny Hoyer’s district offices; first as a Constituent Liaison and now as an Associate Liaison. In my role, I communicate with all federal agencies, organizations, and other political offices in hopes of resolving issues that are brought to our office’s attention. I also correspond with our legislative staff to bring awareness to the legislative gaps in policies and procedures that hinder resolutions. Within my role as a congressional staffer, I also mentor students who aspire to work for Congress as well.
Aside from my work in Congress, I have been actively pursuing my performance career. I have been traveling frequently between the DMV, NYC, ATL, and LA for intensives, workshops, and various classes this past year. I have also been a part of mentorship programs for dance development by Tia Rivera and Kiki Ely. As far as acting, I have been consistently training for the past couple of months with my acting coach Christen Sharice, of Catapult Acting Studios. T.V/Film may be at a bit of a standstill right now with the much-needed strike taking place; but my goal is to be fully equipped and ready to hit the ground running as soon as productions open up.
Since my last interview, I’m also happy to announce that I performed at my first live show with Asake as one of his backup dancers, at Broccoli City Festival held in Washington D.C. It was a great experience and I can’t wait for future opportunities.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely has not been an easy road; but I’m very thankful for my journey. Throughout the years, I have dealt with adversity, health concerns, and just overall life issues that have been completely out of my control. Nevertheless, I always persevere. I know that everything that I have been through in life has gotten me exactly to where I’m supposed to be.
More recently, as I have been actively pursuing my performance career, I am finding myself in rooms, training with and learning from people that I have looked up to and admired for years. That in and of itself can sometimes be overwhelming; but I’m really just really inspired by it all. It pushes me and lets me know that all of my dreams are within reach.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am truly a creative and an artist. I dance, act, sing, and model. I have been actively involved in all since I was young and I’m really excited to be pursuing performance professionally. For the past year in particular, I have been extremely dedicated and focused on training and making connections. I would say that my hard work is definitely paying off.
As for the future, one of my overall goals is to take on as many opportunities as I can in the entertainment industry. I want to be known for being an all-around great performer in terms of dancing, acting, and singing; and that is exactly what I’m aiming for. Being a strong advocate/activist for social justice and equity is also one of my overall goals. I want to be a voice that helps bridge the gap between mundane policy and public understanding and engagement.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
One of my favorite podcasts right now is Angie Martinez’ IRL Podcast. Angie is a huge inspiration in and of herself. On top of that, she constantly brings so many of my favorites on her podcast and they always drop the best gems. I don’t know how, but it always comes at a time when I need it the most. Her guests speak about the entertainment industry and their individual life experiences navigating through it all. They all have different life experiences and have different fields that they are best known for; yet their advice is all rooted in empowerment, direction, and belonging (worthiness).
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @JadaaCapri
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jadaward
Image Credits
Neely Townes Michael Webber Anaiise Diaz
