Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Knesek.
Hi Jennifer, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was raised to give back to others, to serve others. Growing up in the Catholic Church and also living life as the daughter of an Army man, I saw real-life leadership and examples of service, but I also developed a deep interest in politics and how people could help make the world a better place through that side of public service.
So I eventually started seeking out knowledge from grassroots leaders who had done the work to make their communities better places. I began to see that there really is a need for people to need the help of local political authorities in order to make the lives of people better, it isn’t as simple as raising money to address a cause. I started looking for political candidates who have what Jack Kemp called “a compelling cause,” meaning they want to serve people and help more people find freedom and liberty, rather than simply for fame or money or as a resume builder.
This has been a rewarding process, sometimes frustrating, but never dull. And, you cannot win every battle, the important thing is to gain allies where you can and build on a message. I have seen very specific examples of things I advocated for in 2013 or 2014 not resonating with people then, but they see me now and they say, “now I get it.”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, but that has made this all the more rewarding and interesting. I did not go to college for public policy, government relations, campaigns, or public advocacy, so people who required those credentials did not take me seriously. I brought my own flair to the effort, and I drew the attention of decision-makers across the state and some of the most influential leaders in the country — and once again, as with the people who didn’t understand what I was talking about 7 or 8 years ago, they call me later and they say “we need your help.” And even in cases where I don’t accept a paying job or contract, influencing the decisions of others is a real thrill but it does not come without a heavy cross.
Graduating high school and all throughout my life, I have excelled and overachieved but adult life is much more difficult than they told us it would be. In my first year at Texas A&M University, my life was lit on fire — in a way, many of us never hope to experience — the years following were not what I expected but I again found a way to excel despite all odds. I made the Dean’s list, rushed and pledged a sorority, gave back to my community and the most important is that I persevered through some of the darkest days one can imagine.
I went on to accept a position with ABC Sports on ESPN (College Gameday) where I was the head of productions personal assistant and would travel the country behind the scenes of the most important collegiate game being played in college football every week — a wild ride.
Perseverance has been the recurring theme in my life – it actually helps teach self-reliance, which for me brought me closer to Jesus and my walk with faith continues to this day. When you spend your lifetime overcoming you often find that who you are is exactly what this world needs. I love people, I love charity work and giving back to my very core – I grew up watching my father serve this country and my mother next to him serve our community. To send me to college she would press shirts at a factory for about 6 cents apiece getting to work at 3 am to begin her shift. She saved every penny and she bought a Dry Cleaners, operating that small business in my Hometown for 12 years. My parents have set the standard and I am grateful to be living my version of the American Dream. Thankful for them both and all of the sacrifices made on my behalf.
I am in a profession where the winner takes all and there is no second place. One of the most stressful, intense, and competitive games in life — but what keeps me driving forward is my love for this country, my neighbor, and the opportunity to change the world for the better. I came off an election cycle with wins at multiple levels of government including races that people said were unwinnable – two Cinderella stories were wins for Jim Wright who became our Texas Railroad Commissioner, the second was a proud winner in deep South Texas – Justice Jaime Tijerina, Justice on the 13th Court of Appeals — they said we could not do it, I said watch me – prayed, worked hard and had candidates to believe in. My most impressive wins were on the highest criminal court in Texas — the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, we had three incumbents, with my client and the others, I knew that my purpose was bigger than a paycheck. I helped to win races that were not by any means easy as every major metropolitan area in the state was swept with the other side of the ticket — I worked for some of the smartest men to ever serve on that bench and we took them into areas no other statewide Republicans were willing to touch. We (yes, us) turned the tide and I will be forever grateful for that experience – one where I had clients willing to break the mold, reach out to every voter regardless of party affiliation, religion, socio-economic status and we won on a message of good governance, a fair justice system for all and judicial experience from each that helped communicate that the CCA is the one position that touches every single Texas family and deals with matters of life and death — all in a political climate that brought some of the hardest days this nation has seen. We also saw and felt some of the most encouraging days in America — the American spirit is beautiful and truly a story to be told again and again. There are core American values that define us and I will continue to fight for those as we move this country forward.
The ultimate goal is to serve others. My mission includes the fight against poverty and one that includes inspiring the next generation of leaders — I believe there is a generation of young Americans that will rise up and help change lives in ways never seen before. I currently work for an amazing Houstonian and community leader named Shelley Torian Barineau — her work on boards such as the undergraduate studies at the University of Texas, Episcopal High School, Texas Children’s Hospital, a Donor Advisor of the Longenbaugh-Torian Fund have had an impact on the lives of millions. Her continued commitment to the city we all love is one I am privileged to work alongside as we take our experience, love of country, and heart for people as we fight to win a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. Shelley has the courage to fight for West Houston families and as I walk this road with her — watch out, we take serving others and our community seriously. Powerhouses each in our own right — I look forward to seeing her battle four men in this primary, win the general and move on to be one of only a handful of conservative women to currently serve in the Texas House of Representatives.
There is a dignity that comes with work, a worth and value that I hope to help others achieve by expanding opportunity and hope for every single Texan — I am not going to leave anyone out of this mission, from the barrios to River Oaks to the most diverse suburbs in the entire nation. Texas is worth fighting for — may we stand next to our neighbor as we ensure our neighborhoods are protected and families have every freedom to live the American dream because Together, We Will.
We Can, We Care — my passion project is a firebrand named Alexandra del Moral (yes, the granddaughter of the Godfather of Spanish Media and co-founder of the Golden Globe Awards) Mealer — my dear friend — a West point grad, Harvard JD/MBA and overall badass taking on one of the most important elected offices in one of the largest counties in the nation — in the spirit of Ronald Reagan and with the Texas swagger of George W. Bush we both have never been afraid to serve our country as we saw our families do all our lives but in different ways. The most fun is how on this journey, we truly honor the memory of a lifetime of women – strong enough to step up for what is right — many throughout history. We remember fearless trailblazers who led or continue to be a strength and inspiration to each of us girls who grew up to be women unafraid to disrupt and fight for what is right. I continue to achieve incredible personal wins like my last year in Public Relations working in Cybersecurity and being published in Forbes as well as other publications. One of my most memorable days was last year in Washington DC with some of the most well respected Hispanic leaders across the country as they came together for a National Press Conference for Bienvenido — of course from behind the scenes, my preferred way to work.
I most recently have served on the Houston Ulsan Sister City Delegation with the Mayor of Houston and Mayor of Ulsan, South Korea. Last month we signed the agreement that is about a partnership in petrochemicals, medicine, education, biotech, tourism, disaster management & safety, and information technology — one that both port cities worked for over the last seven years on. One that put people over politics and we saw a delegation that united for the good of the heart and soul of our cities — The people. I can say that the United States and Republic Of Korea Alliance could not be stronger. As an Army brat born to an inter-racial couple (who will be celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary soon) while my dad was stationed in Seoul, South Korea — I remain in awe of where Jesus has brought me, but most importantly I thank God for what he has used my trials, tribulations, and finally, my will and spirit to overcome. It does not get easier, life is not rainbows and walks in the park — it is hard work. The ability to look back while you move others forward makes every day worth it. Living life to help others is one that has not made me a rich woman, but a woman that hopes to inspire others to have the courage to heal, reach your goals, and leave an impact that you can be proud of — each of us is worthy.
I closed out the third quarter of the year working for a national investigative media firm founded by Wayne Dolcefino, a local giant of our time winning most notably 33 Emmys for his investigative journalism over the years. I had the opportunity to join a team that spends their days slaying dragons.
Here, I would like to stop and thank my mentors for helping me get to this moment, this interview today — words will never be able to express what you have done in my life. The most important thing I have learned this year is to always remain an advocate for the truth, never sacrifice your integrity, and continue to lead by example — we are the hope we see in this world. Stay humble and I ask you to please remember that “How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great.”
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a public relations professional and political strategist.
I am known for service before self. I live by the words of the great Jack Kemp, “Be worthy of winning.” I do not make excuses, I play like a champion and I work with a passion for life and for people. I seek to make a difference in the lives of others. I am known for being driven…an influencer, an avid volunteer, an innovator — a fearless leader. I am unafraid to go into every single neighborhood across this country to communicate a message of hope, opportunity and encourage policies that Let People Prosper.
What sets me apart is my heart for the most underserved neighborhoods in the nation. I believe we have the power to renew American cities and we should strive for real impact through civic engagement, public service in lockstep with community leaders and faith institutions to solve problems, move others forward and provide hope to those falling through the cracks — that is my mission. Many want to run for office but are you willing to live a life where it is about doing good — not the power — we each have a responsibility to our neighbor.
This is part of what makes me jump out of bed in the morning. I am a teacher at heart, a daughter, an older sister, an aunt — I see value in every neighborhood, home, office, church, prison, shelter, and school in America. I believe in the American spirit –one of perseverance, self-reliance, and faith — hope can be found in yourself, your neighbor, your city, your state, and found all across this country. I encourage you to spend your days communicating the power of hope to others.
I am proud to play a small part in what makes this country great and look to inspire others to serve, give and impact those around you — inspiring others to KNOW YOUR WHY, to encourage you to never forget where you came from — I ask you to continue to live life showing up on purpose.
Live your version of the American Dream — may the Lord bless and keep you every step of the way.
God Bless America & God Bless the Great State of Texas.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Street Saints: Renewing American Cities (book), The Triumphs of Joseph (book), The Conservative Heart (book), Love Your Enemies (book), Freakonomics (podcast), How To Build A Happy Life (podcast), Arthur Brooks at TheAtlantic.com (regular column), John Tamny at RealClearMarkets.com (regular column).
Contact Info:
- Email: CatholicConservative12@gmail.com
- Instagram: @JenniferKnesek
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jmknesek & https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.knesek.1
- Twitter: @JenniferKnesek
- Other: Bienvenido.us
Image Credits:
Chris Gillett Photography, Headshot Bienvenido National Press Conference Lincoln Library, Trump Hotel, Washington DC Press Conference, Dolcefino Consulting Galena Park, Houston Texas Bienvenido Leadership Meeting and Bienvenido Clubhouse Filming The Star, Dallas Cowboys Practice Fields, Frisco Texas Houston Ulsan Sister City Association City Hall, Houston Texas Jim Wright For Texas, Texas Tribune Festival Panel First Community Bank Building, Private Conference Room, Corpus Christi Texas Anthony Dolcefino For Houston City Council – At Large Position 4 Election Night Victory Party, Red Lion Pub, Houston Texas Mountain View, California, Army Housing We Are United Rally, Sugar Land City Hall, Sugar Land Texas – Fort Bend County
