Today we’d like to introduce you to Jetrice Gardner.
Jetrice, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up, I struggled with confidence and self-esteem. I was always more mature than my peers, so I never could really connect with my peers. I was bullied and oftentimes felt alone because there was no one I could confide in. Growing up with a single mom who reflected her anger and bitterness for her life on me was difficult. Unfortunately for me, this was my normal. For years, I bottled and attempted to bury a lot of burdens. The challenges of my journey has made me stronger.
After graduating from high school, I decided to go to college. I wanted to position myself for greater opportunities. I was the first person in my immediate family to attend and complete an undergraduate degree.
My path to a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Social Sciences was filled with many challenges. I had to work two part-time jobs while going to school full time which made a 4-year undergraduate degree an 8-year journey. I did not get the “college experience” like other students. I received eviction notices on my door every other month, if not every month. I was in the financial aid office several times a week to see what else I can do to get more funding to cover my tuition.
There were times where I did not know where my next meal was coming from and fortunately for me, I had a really nice neighbor who enjoyed cooking. Now that I think about it, he would always bring me a plate of his home cooking not knowing those days, I was planning to go to bed hungry.
I am forever grateful for meeting my wonderful husband. We met at the University of Houston in August 2006 and we were married in August 2010. Our 13-year journey (and counting) is a blessing. He is my biggest supporter, motivator, and my best friend. My husband is part of the reason why I am the person I am today.
After working in the healthcare industry for seven years, I knew it was time for a change. In 2018, I asked God to reveal my purpose in the next chapter of my life; something that I would be passionate about. After some soul searching, I knew I wanted to help empower young women because I saw a huge void, not only in my life, but in society in general. Women are undervalued, marginalized, and abused in most instances. In an image-focused world that values nothing of substance, I wanted to do something about this.
On October 9, 2018, I founded a non-profit organization called The Empowerment Of Women, Inc. (T.E.O.W.) for young women with the support of my husband. The organization’s mission is to bring awareness to the cause and effects of low self-esteem. Life experiences for young women between the ages of 12 to 24 can affect the rest of their lives. I want to provide tools to young women who are experiencing the same struggles as I did emotionally, mentally, and financially.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My life has not been smooth. Until recently, I carried my sexual assault in silence. I struggled with developing friendships, my self-worth, and confidence. I have struggled emotionally with the burdens I have carried for so many years. It wasn’t until I began focusing on self-care this year, things began to change.
Any advice?
It is important to have a strong support system of like-minded people and/or people you aspire to be like.
Health and wellness is more than physical, it is also mental. It is very important to practice self-care.
Always be willing to be the student and not the teacher.
I think it is very important to consider to whom and what your time is allocated to. Time is the one thing you can never get back.
Just go for it while you can. Nothing is worse than waking up one day wondering “what if”.
Stop searching for validation outside yourself.
Please tell us about T.E.O.W., INC.|The Empowerment Of Women, Inc. – what should we know?
I am the founder of the 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, The Empowerment Of Women, Inc. (T.E.O.W., Inc.). We educate the community on the causes and effects of low self-esteem in young women.
We foster participation in S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineer & Math) with the help of our partner, Microsoft.
We offer workshops and activities at no cost for young women through our #LoveMeFirst Initiative by educating young women on: Personal Development, Social Skills, Financial Literacy, overall Health and Wellness (physical, mentally and emotionally).
Our Community Outreach Program allows our organization to serve those in our communities through our collaborative efforts of volunteering, sponsoring families during the holidays, and/or partnering with local organizations.
Do you feel like there was something about the experiences you had growing up that played an outsized role in setting you up for success later in life?
Having an absent father has made me more independent, and has shown me not to rely on anyone. Persevering through the hardships and challenges I’ve faced has made a stronger person and has made my faith in God stronger than ever before. My journey is an untold story like many young women, and I believe my story will encourage and motivate others to become the best version of themselves.
Contact Info:
- Address: T.E.O.W., Inc.
1302 Waugh Dr, Ste. 768
Houston, TX 77019 - Website: www.teow.org
- Phone: 832-542-0462
- Email: jetriceg@teow.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/t.e.o.w_inc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/theempowermentofwomen
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