We were lucky to catch up with Tatiana Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Tatiana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
During my childhood years, my career path lacked a definitive direction. Upon applying to college, my primary focus was securing admission, prompting my choice of psychology and child development due to its potential for job opportunities and my inclination towards working with people as an extrovert. However, I embarked on this academic journey without a comprehensive understanding of the discipline’s specifics. As a first-generation college student and a veteran dependent, I navigated this new terrain devoid of insights into financial aid systems, available resources, or anticipated expectations. I soon realized that others within my network, including friends and family, faced similar uncertainties and challenges. Amidst my undergraduate years, my father’s illness necessitated frequent visits to the VA Hospital, where I discovered numerous benefits entitled to veterans. This realization prompted my enlistment in the California Army National Guard. Observing fellow recruits at Basic Training, I recognized a prevailing lack of information regarding the benefits awaiting them post-training. This illuminated the pervasive ignorance prevalent in the military sphere.
These experiences fueled a desire within me to pursue a career as a school counselor, envisioning an opportunity to enlighten students about various educational, military, and vocational options. However, a dear friend encouraged me to broaden my perspective, emphasizing that while counseling could impact thousands, my purpose might extend further. He envisioned leveraging my potential to create a broader impact. Thus inspired me to transform the role of a counselor into a business endeavor that caters to communities similar to mine.
Motivated by this vision, I pursued a Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, aiming to augment my knowledge from a business perspective. Following my initial semester, I felt prepared to take a leap of faith and establish a nonprofit, Future Wealthy Minorities, Inc. The primary logo draws inspiration from the perception of being a ‘jack of all trades,’ symbolizing the limitless potential individuals possess. The secondary logo, depicted by two upward arrows representing growth and elevation, signifies our mission to level the playing field, fostering equal opportunities for success.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hailing from Compton California, I am deeply committed to uplifting my community. My journey of leadership began as the class president at Carson High School, that landed me to secure an internship at the Los Angeles Times. Trailblazing as a first-generation college student, I pursued higher education at California State University Northridge, achieving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child Development in an accelerated three-year program, graduating debt-free. As an esteemed member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, I also proudly serve in the California Army National Guard. I’m finishing up my Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at California State University San Bernardino while simultaneously undertaking the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) to commission as a United States Army Officer. Driven by my passion for aiding others in achieving their aspirations, I founded Future Wealthy Minorities, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth. Through mentorship, programs, and a web-based portal, the organization provides essential guidance on personal development, financial literacy, and career awareness, encompassing pathways in the military and trade schools. Our vision is to galvanize change by creating a supportive and inclusive platform while we are adopting a holistic approach to delivering development programs and creative solutions to elevate minority youth in exploring opportunities to earn success and ignite their potential.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Shifting my perspective from anticipating exceptional capabilities to embracing individuals for who they are marked a turning point in my journey. Learning to set practical expectations for others isn’t about settling for less; it’s about understanding people’s unique strengths and limitations. This shift has been crucial in shaping my gratitude by fostering an outlook that values and appreciates every effort, irrespective of its scale. Realistic expectations have become my shield against recurring disappointments stemming from unrealistically high standards, allowing me to cherish and be grateful for the efforts put forth. Understanding and respecting each person’s abilities has deepened my sense of appreciation and empathy. This personal outlook has paved the way for stronger, more fulfilling connections built on mutual understanding and acknowledgment of everyone’s contributions. In essence, embracing this approach has brought contentment, encouraged my personal growth through adaptability, and taught me to celebrate the smaller victories rather than chasing unattainable perfection.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Reflecting on my journey, I resonate deeply with the narrative of a young individual armed with ambition and a vision. My aspiration to contribute meaningfully to others’ lives propelled me forward, undeterred by financial constraints. I firmly uphold the principle that nurturing a vision necessitates self-investment to transform it into reality. During my graduate program, I initiated my organization, Future Wealthy Minorities, Inc. My commitment to the military, influenced by my father’s military service enabled me to secure educational funding. Additionally, leveraging my leadership capabilities, I acquired scholarships and assumed a role as a resident assistant, facilitating access to housing benefits.
While venturing into the establishment of my nonprofit, I made a deliberate decision to secure a loan, a choice with inherent risks. However, I firmly adhere to the philosophy of reaping what one sows and subscribe to principles such as the Laws of Stratospheric Success. The Law of Value, emphasizing the worth derived from delivering greater value than received, and the Law of Compensation, correlating income to service quality and outreach.
I believe that investing in others through my nonprofit and nurturing genuine commitment to the cause will yield sustainable opportunities. Witnessing the unfolding journey of my organization reinforces my conviction that sustained dedication to meaningful work will inevitably attract the necessary resources for its sustainability and growth
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.futurewealthyminorities.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurewealthyminorities/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091811381739
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tatiana-jackson-470108250
- Other: Donation Link : https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgivebutter.com%2Ffuture-wealthy-minorities-inc&e=AT3pkyKtW53u5qL_y6d0BX7yDA4G014ZQZqDpNCeexnr7sm2RTqhHX6Eu0e1PRjpHxAGjArFkTyGJ3BWtLVgtuQKPB2h9uiJLOp-ZxxIVpA4EY9H