We’re looking forward to introducing you to Daphine Jack. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Daphine, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me commences with morning meditation, followed by reading and email correspondence. My schedule then involves attending meetings, instructing ESL students, and teaching a criminal justice course. Additionally, I dedicate my time to running a criminal justice reform non-profit organization. My day typically concludes around midnight, at which point I prepare to begin anew.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Daphine Brown Jack is a multifaceted leader whose work bridges education, advocacy, and empowerment. She is acclaimed as an author, criminal justice expert, professor at the University of North Texas, instructor at Houston Community College, motivational speaker, and nonprofit consultant. With over a decade as a parole officer, Daphine leverages her deep understanding of the justice system to inform her teachings, books, and consultancy.
Her nonprofit, Prevention Zone Inc., was founded with a mission to educate youth and support those impacted by the criminal justice system, especially exonerated individuals. Prevention Zone stands out for its innovative community-focused approach, providing much-needed resources and opportunities for personal empowerment.
As an author, Daphine’s book, The Other Side of the Story, offers a powerful glimpse into her journey navigating the justice system, inspired by her own family’s experience with wrongful accusations. The book has inspired many and is used to educate about criminal justice and resilience.
Daphine also hosts the “If Emmett Was Alive Today” podcast, where she challenges listeners to confront complex social issues within criminal justice and creates space for voices seeking change. Her work as a motivational speaker and nonprofit consultant further amplifies her commitment to social equity, reform, and community education.
What makes Daphine unique is her ability to blend lived experience with professional and academic insight, making her brand a catalyst for change. She is driven by faith, resilience, and a relentless passion to ensure underserved communities receive the support and justice they deserve. Her ongoing projects—books, podcast, and nonprofit advocacy—underscore her reputation as a thought leader and compassionate voice for reform and empowerment.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is with my firstborn daughter, Alexandria Daphine Jack. Becoming her mother gave me a new sense of purpose and responsibility, teaching me strength, patience, and unconditional love in ways I had never known before. Through her, I discovered parts of myself I didn’t realize existed, and she continues to inspire me to grow, push forward, and lead by example. Alexandria has not only shaped how I view motherhood but also how I value myself as a woman, constantly reminding me of the importance of resilience, love, and legacy.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could, because it revealed the depth of my strength and resilience. While success feels rewarding, it often doesn’t force us to look inward the way pain does. Through hardship, I learned patience, humility, and empathy for others who struggle. It showed me that growth is not always glamorous, but it is powerful, and that even in brokenness, there can be beauty and wisdom. Unlike success, suffering has a way of stripping life down to what truly matters—faith, love, and the ability to keep moving forward even when the path is unclear.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
An essential truth that very few people agree with me on is that struggles and failures are just as valuable—if not more—than achievements. Many people see setbacks as obstacles to avoid or signs of weakness, but I believe they are necessary stepping stones for growth. To me, pain and disappointment often carry the deepest lessons, shaping our character in ways success never could. While others may view hardship as something to escape, I see it as a teacher that refines us, humbles us, and prepares us to fully appreciate the victories when they finally come.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
What people will most misunderstand about my legacy is that my strength came easily. From the outside, it may seem like I carried challenges with grace, but what many won’t see are the sacrifices, doubts, and private battles that shaped that strength. My legacy isn’t just about resilience or accomplishments—it’s about the quiet perseverance, the nights of prayer, and the determination to keep moving forward even when it felt impossible. I don’t want to be remembered as someone who had it all figured out, but as someone who turned pain into purpose and left a mark of love, faith, and resilience for others to carry on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://preventionzoneinc.org
- Instagram: Prevention Zone Inc.
- Linkedin: Prevention Zone Inc.
- Twitter: Prevention Zone Inc.
- Facebook: Prevention Zone Inc.
- Youtube: Prevention Zone Inc.
Image Credits
Priscilla Graham Photography
