Jean Jones-Brown

I attribute my success to what I like to call “beauty out of brokenness,” which has propelled me forward and inspired me to encourage others. Throughout my journey, I have learned to push past discouragement, even when others focus on what I cannot do rather than what I can accomplish. I stand on the belief that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, especially in moments when my own strength feels limited. Perseverance has been key for me taking life’s challenges and using them as positive fuel to move forward. Even when facing age, illness, or personal struggles, I believe there is still something within me to give to and uplift others, even while I am navigating my own journey.

The best career advice I have ever received was to always let my life experiences and passions shape my purpose and to never be afraid to use my voice and story to help others. After rededicating my life, I was profoundly influenced by women of faith who helped guide my spiritual and personal growth. Charlene Beard was especially impactful in my journey, teaching me to pray out loud, use my voice with confidence, and follow the path God has placed before me. I have also been inspired by Peggy Stubbs, a powerful woman of faith in her 90s who has authored books and continues to share wisdom, reminding me that purpose and ministry have no age limit. These relationships have reinforced my belief in living a life of service, resilience, and sharing encouragement with others while continuing to pursue personal and professional growth.

My advice to young women entering my industry is to first focus on building trust, both with others and within yourself, because many people carry pain from broken relationships and past experiences. I often share my own story of overcoming trauma, hurt, and poor relationship choices as a young person, and how forgiveness, though difficult and gradual, was essential to my healing and growth. I encourage young women to recognize that they are created with purpose and destiny, even when they are still discovering what that looks like. Words and experiences shape who we become, so it is important to surround yourself with positivity, move forward with confidence in your value, and live with compassion and empathy for others. By navigating life with faith, love, and integrity, you can not only grow personally but also help support others along their journeys.

Love and compassion for others are what I hold most dear to my heart. I work part-time in customer service, dealing with people who have typically been in some kind of accident or maybe it's an act of God where their car has gotten damaged. Yesterday I was on the phone with a lady who was struggling with letting go of her vehicle. She told me she had gone through a divorce and this was the first thing she bought on her own. I told her that coming out of such a loss, that was such a great move she had made. I said to her, spring is about to spring forward, and even though she feels like she's letting go, she's going to get something greater. I explained that she's been given a new book and it's up to her what she writes on the page. She said she so appreciated the love, the compassion, and the understanding. It's hard sometimes to let go of things, and she had to let go of a lot, but I wanted her to understand that greater is coming to her. That's the type of love, compassion, and understanding I bring to everything I do and with all people I meet.