Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Mikell.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Jessica. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a proud southern belle from Jackson, Mississippi – born and raised – where fried catfish is the catch of the day, sweet tea is the drink of choice, and where you will find the most hospitable people in all of the world! My father instilled in me the grit and competitive nature, and he taught me the skill of being solution-driven. My mother taught me to appreciate femininity and the art of grace and class. And my little sister was my biggest cheerleader and often “gassed me up” to make me believe I was a lot greater than I actually was. They all molded my character and integrity and encouraged me to push boundaries, learn from my losses, and relish in the good times. I am now the wife of the world’s greatest husband and the mother of a beautiful and brilliant little girl.
I attended Jim Hill High School (uh oh – green and gold) and worked for the Mississippi Braves Minor League Baseball Team throughout high school. Sports was always and will always be near and dear to my heart! Upon graduation, I moved to Houston, Texas to attend college at Texas Southern University on a full academic scholarship. I have the gift of gab and initially wanted to pursue a major in sports administration or mass communications. However, my family advised that there were not many women in the field of sports and that I should pursue a degree in a field where a job would be more of a “guarantee,” such as medicine. So, I majored in pre-medicine, while I still pursued other “side-hustles” that were more in tune with my personal career goals. I applied for an unpaid internship at Russell Simmons’ and Lynn Richardson’s Hip Hop Financial Summit. I was the only intern chosen out of thousands of applicants, and I was able to initiate the Summit on Texas Southern’s campus, and I was able to work with celebrities such as MC Lyte, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Terrence Howard, Jeremih, Slim Thug and many more. I was young, in college with little experience in a high profile job, so I am grateful of Lynn Richardson for taking a chance on me.
I loved college, but I didn’t enjoy my major – at all. So, I continued to pursue sports, entertainment, and community endeavors throughout college. I was highly involved on campus, spent many hours doing community service, and I became a member of the gorgeous Gamma Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., I graduated, and then I had to determine my next move. I knew I didn’t want to go to medical school, so due to my gift of gab and ability to “debate,” my family suggested that I attend law school. I applied and was accepted to Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I decided to pursue a dual degree program (Juris Doctorate and a master’s degree in public administration). I knew I didn’t want to practice law, but I somehow thought that one of those degrees would lead me back to my three passions (sports, entertainment, and community). After my first year of law school, all of my classmates were applying for internships to clerk at law firms, and I was not as passionate about finding a clerkship. So, I followed my heart and applied for two unpaid internships at with the Houston Rockets – my passion – sports, entertainment, and community. The first internship was in the marketing department, and the second one was for the community relations department. Out of thousands of applicants from ivy league universities, I was the chosen one. I was right where I wanted to be! A black woman who would become my supervisor, by the name of Sarah Joseph, took a chance on me, but this time, I had the experience, I had the knowledge, and I was hungry for it! I decided to continue to pursue only my master’s degree, full time while pursuing the unpaid internship. It was tough but I had some wonderful people in my corner, like Sarah who allowed me to adjust my schedule to accommodate my classes, and Dr. Michael Adams of Texas Southern University, who allowed me to do a fellowship (on top of the internship and the master’s degree) to earn a stipend. When I wasn’t working or studying, I was networking, building my brand, and pursuing side hustles for other athletes and celebrities. I oversaw community endeavors, player relations, and many other things. Needless to say, my schedule was booked and I was exhausted! But, I knew the grind would yield success in the long run.
After the internship, I was promoted to a coordinator position for a couple of years. I wasn’t making as much money as I had hoped so I began to look for more. A wonderful lady I worked with on a player’s school campaign, by the name of Lucy Bremond, called me to tell me that she knew of someone hiring for a great position and that I could really learn and enhance a different skill set – fund development. I went in for an interview at one of the largest national non-profits, and Ronald Jackson took a chance on me. I stayed there for few years as a regional manager in the fund development department, while still grinding, before ultimately joining the Yellowstone family as Director of Corporate and Community Relations. I am also gearing up to launch my very own consulting firm, as a celebrity consultant for community relations!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I was a little girl, my Daddy used to tell me, “stay true to the game, and the game will be true to you.” I oftentimes had to refer back to that quote because of the heartaches and setbacks. There were many times I was told “you’re too young,” or “you don’t have enough experience,” or “sit back and wait your turn.” There were many times I was overlooked for a promotion or a position because I was a young, black woman that was direct and outspoken about black issues and women’s rights. I was told I was too competitive and assertive. I have dealt with tough bosses who were unfair, biased and critical. I have dealt with the “I can’t believe you are from Mississippi” comments, or the “I can’t believe you went to a HBCU” comment. I am and I did. I have dealt with being the only black person in a room or on a team. I have dealt with white coworkers being your best friend until another white person walks into the room and then suddenly you don’t exist. I have dealt with supervisors and boards not wanting to diversify and be forward-thinking, and instead only wanting to continue with the current, antiquated culture.
I was and still am unapologetically, Jessica. Sometimes being yourself means that you won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. But if you continue to be yourself, work hard, and stay positive, you will be someone’s sweet tea. All you need is one opportunity – one chance to make things happen. Now that I am older and moving into a different space in my career, I know that even more challenges will come. I have added another motto to my everyday life, “Tough times don’t last always, tough people do.” God will equip me with the proper tools necessary for digging my way to a promising tomorrow.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Yellowstone Schools is a hybrid of two schools and three entities – a PK3-4th private, faith based elementary school, a 5th-8th charter middle school, and a 9th-12th charter high school.
Yellowstone Academy (PK3-4th grade) was founded in 2002 with the purpose of building Christian leaders. It is a safe and supportive learning environment where students can engage in academic excellence and spiritual growth to reach their full potential. Our administration, teachers and supporters are committed to expanding educational opportunities that enable our students to reach their greatest potential. Students receive the fundamentals to grow academically, socially and spiritually. Admission is selective and significant scholarships are available for qualifying families. Yellowstone College Prep is a new public charter school* dedicated to building community leaders from 5th to 8th grade, and growing to serve 9th-12th grade students by adding a grade level each year. Our teachers and administrators are active members in our neighborhoods and are focused on the intellectual and emotional growth of our students. We believe all students are born with purpose and destined for success.
Yellowstone Academy and Yellowstone College Prep are separate school systems co-located at a single campus in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. Each school system seeks to inspire, empower and invest in students to achieve their highest potential and fulfill their intended purpose. We refer to the schools as “Yellowstone Schools.”
I serve as the Director of Corporate and Community Relations at Yellowstone Schools. I oversee Yellowstone’s corporate accounts and community endeavors for both of the schools. I am known as the liaison between the community and the schools. I am most proud to work for an inner city institution, that enables its students to excel beyond statistics and stereotypes, and offers them exposure so that their expectations are expanded.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was outgoing, versatile, and outspoken. My parents like to say I was an outgoing, bossy, and strong-willed tomboy because I would play basketball and softball with my cousin and his friends, and I was a little rough around the edges. I was the child that always asked “why” and I wanted to try to accomplish tasks in an unorthodox way. Although I was very driven, I was also a lot of fun and I loved to laugh until my “abs” hurt!
I loved to play and watch sports! In fact, my family and friends would refer to my Dad and me as “the Doublemint Twins” because we would go to other school’s athletic events, and professional games and sit on the front row together talking about the game the whole time! I had a love for the arts and public speaking. I attended APAC (The Academic and Performing Arts Complex) for theater arts, and I was in several productions, commercials, and stage plays. I also sang classical music in high school. I excelled in academics and was in the International Baccalaureate Program. I served as Student Body President, I was a Tigerette dancer, I was a member of Youth Leadership of Jackson, and I received the prestigious Hall of Fame award for my high school.
The thing I enjoyed most of all was spending time with my family. My parents were very hands-on and always made sure they exposed my sister and me to new things, whether it be new foods, new countries, or new events, We even took a family vacation every year to somewhere new.
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