We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jessica Deese a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jessica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

Growing up, I saw myself doing something deep and meaningful as an adult. The sort of thing that changes lives and leaves a lasting, positive impact. My first memory of this feeling was when I was seven. I vividly remember the physical pain I felt knowing that children didn’t have parents or families, and families didn’t have food or houses, and so on. I knew then, all I wanted to do was help people, more specifically women, children and families. When I think of that moment, it’s the same feeling that drives me each day to push the corporate limits, defy the cultural trends, and change the limiting paradigms of philanthropy. I pursued a few specialties, all of which prepared me for this career, none of which are even close! Journalism, graphic design, dental assisting and biomedical engineering never suited me. I excelled in them, but they did not have my heart. One day, applying to grad schools for biomedical engineering, I questioned whether I was misplacing my investment in my calling. It was clear for unknown reasons, that I needed to press pause on grad school. I was not fond of the idea of taking a pause, but as uncertain as it seemed, and illogical, I had peace knowing I was making the right decision. During that pause, God showed me how he created my heart and how my gifts would be wasted in that career. Against many objections, I followed that peace. I shifted my focus to clinical psychology with goals of becoming a LMHC. For the first time, I felt confident in the direction of that decision. I still felt this sense of risk, but it was different. It was a risk that came with an underlying sense of assurance. I looked at skills that transferred and natural strengths, along with that passion God gave me to help, and it was like a “duh” moment. from that point, everything else starting aligning.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

I serve as the Executive Director of Coastal Choices Women’s Clinic for the past year and half. It was a neat journey to where I am now. When I made the shift to clinical psychology, that poised me to look for certain internships and volunteer work. During that search, one of the places where I started volunteering was a pregnancy care center. It felt like it was a perfect fit, as far as my passion and interests lied, to help women, children and families. I quickly became enthralled with the mission and the scope of the work. Seeing the vast impact on the community and the individual lives, not to mention the opportunity to invest in future generations, I knew it was a place I wanted to be a part of. The pregnancy clinic has since transitioned to a women’s clinic. The focus is still on the families, primarily woman and child centric, but has expanded its medical services to meet more specific needs of women. We have the incredible and unique opportunity to walk alongside women (and men too) during their pregnancy, parenting, or adoption journey. Most clients come to us through an unplanned pregnancy looking to learn about their pregnancy options. In this scenario, we are able to provide medical services to answer questions they may have to assist them in making their decision. Once they have made their decision, if they choose, we are able to help them with the pregnancy journey, parenting journey, and in some cases, offer post abortion support. We work with local organizations to help meet any needs they have such as food, clothing, professional counseling, and/or housing. Other times, we are able to help them find resources through other community partners that help overcome the challenges they feel are keeping them from making a healthy decision for the long term versus the short term. We see each person where they are for the value they hold in being perfectly imperfect, not for any potential they may have. We love each person that comes through the doors and recognize that no two journeys are the same. We want each woman to know that this is a place where she and her baby’s life are valued, loved and protected. Most of us have been at that crossroads. Each of our stories and outcomes look different, but the common denominator is love.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I once heard the saying from the President of Heartbeat International, “leaders are readers”. I find this to be true..as long as you are reading the right material. I have always been an avid reader and there are many good quality leadership books out there, however; personally, there are two that have the greatest impact on me, “Redefining Leadership” by Joseph Stowell and the book of Proverbs. Being a servant leader and a blessing to those around me is my ultimate goal. It may take longer to build the House, but this way the House won’t fall.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My whole life is a story of resilience, but professionally speaking, you have to have a certain level of resilience to be an intentional leader and not fall into reckless patterns. Leadership is not for the faint of heart. It’s like that saying, “if you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen.” When I accepted the position as Executive Director, I was assuming a role that was led by a founding Director of an organization that is 22+ years strong. Imagine coming into an organization as the CEO, younger than most, replacing a founder with an extensive tenure. Part of the identity of the organization lies in that founding director. You are young, ambitious, passionate, bold and full of vision that pivots dramatically from former years, a real trailblazer. In this instance, I was the new incoming leader. It can be hard to be trusted, accepted and even embraced by the staff and constituents in such a dramatic shift and rapid growth. I encountered these challenges on many occasions the first year as the Executive Director. I pushed the limits on the company norm, and asked for bold decisions of faith. All things considered, anyone would have the right to push back. I had some days that I wanted to cry, and I did. But, at the end of the day, I knew that I was called with purpose, so I put my big girl shoes on, straightened my crown, and showed up. And mostly, I understood their feelings and did not want to let them down.I knew this was not about me, it was about serving them as the leader they deserved to have. Walking alongside them and embracing each unique experience they were living. I knew what I had been entrusted to do, and I wanted to succeed in inspiring others to catch the vision.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.coastalchoices.org
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoastalChoicesNSB