Jessica Renee Styles

At the core of everything I do are my children. They are the reason I kept going on the days I wanted to give up. They may be young, but they’ve taught me more about strength, resilience, and purpose than anyone ever could. I wanted them to see (really see) that where you start in life does not define where you end up. That no matter what you’ve been through or what anyone says you’re capable of, you can still push forward and build something meaningful.

I didn’t just want to tell them that, I needed to show them. I wanted them to grow up knowing they have a choice. That they can break cycles, make better decisions, and create a life they’re proud of.

And alongside them is my mom, my best friend, my foundation. I’m adopted, and she has never let me feel like anything less than chosen and deeply loved. She has been my constant, my biggest supporter, and the one person who never stopped believing in me, even when things were at their hardest.

Everything I’m building, everything I’m fighting for; it’s for them.

The career advice that guides me is simple: don’t let injustice be the referee of your soul. It’s a principle I’ve carried with me, and it continues to shape how I move through every professional space.

The reality is, the workplace is not always fair. You may not receive the promotion you’ve earned, even when you are the most qualified. At times, external factors such as politics or bias influence outcomes in ways that fall outside of merit. Those moments can feel discouraging, but they do not have to define you.

I believe in maintaining integrity regardless of circumstance. Injustice should never dictate the kind of professional you choose to be. You continue to show up, you continue to do the work, and you continue to lead with consistency and accountability. Even when things don’t go as planned, you don’t alter your standards, you reinforce them.

Because at the end of the day, your character and work ethic should never be determined by the environment around you, but by the values you choose to uphold.

Don't be afraid to use your voice. Always speak up and tell the truth, even if you are standing alone.

One of the biggest challenges in this work is that it addresses a highly specialized and often uncomfortable topic. Conversations surrounding domestic violence and victim services tend to resonate most with individuals who are already receptive, while others may be less engaged or resistant. As a result, it can be difficult to consistently capture and hold the attention of a broader audience.

This reality requires resilience. Rejection is part of the process, and “no” is not the end, it is an opportunity to reassess, recalibrate, and approach the conversation from a different angle. Developing a level of professional toughness is essential, particularly in advocacy and systems-focused work where progress is often gradual.

Many members of my team are survivors, and that lived experience has instilled a deep sense of perseverance and strength. However, resilience must be paired with humility. In advocacy and policy spaces, it is critical to actively listen and remain open to the perspectives of others. No one enters every room as the sole authority, and meaningful progress depends on collaboration, awareness, and a willingness to learn.

Success in this field is not about avoiding obstacles, it is about navigating them with persistence, adaptability, and respect for the voices around you.

I place a strong emphasis on integrity, both personally and professionally. I would rather receive honest, difficult feedback than be presented with a false sense of reassurance that ultimately undermines trust. Transparency creates a foundation for growth, accountability, and informed decision-making.

This commitment to honesty directly influences how I lead and collaborate with others. Trust within a team is built through open communication, consistency, and a shared understanding that integrity will always be prioritized over convenience.

I also believe that effective teamwork is essential to any organization’s success. True collaboration requires individuals to look beyond themselves and remain invested in the well-being and contributions of others. When a team operates with mutual respect, shared responsibility, and a collective purpose, it creates an environment where both individuals and the organization can thrive.