How did you get past your own struggle to come up with this idea to help other people?
You have to get your foundation in order first. You have to be in a position to help others. If you can’t help yourself then you’re not in a position to help others. I personally felt that my life wasn’t fulfilled to live the life I wanted with so many women who had served, not getting what they needed out of life. I was homeless and was fighting cancer, so at the time, there was nothing that I could’ve done for anyone else. But once I got to the point where I was okay, then I wanted to get out and make sure others were okay too.
What is the next vision you have for your life and organization?
I don’t think I’m done. There are a lot of women without jobs and children that still need support. My ultimate goal, my next step is that I want to be out of business. This is not a career plan for me. I want to get to the root causes and try to cut it off before it gets too bad. Me having to exist is putting a bandaid on an American issue. I’ve helped over 300 women in the 50 plus thousands that are out there. I want to raise awareness. I don’t want any homes in the future because I don’t want any veteran – male or female- to have to be homeless.
How do you balance all of your family obligations along with the duties for your organization?
The work-life balance is a myth. You can’t be 20% of a wife, you can’t be 20% of a mom. What you have to learn to do is be present. At the time that I’m engaged with my husband, I am 100% of his wife. When I engage with my children, I am 100% their mother. When I’m focused on my non-profit, I am 100% the President of that organization. So it’s not work-life balance, it’s focus. Focus on what you’re doing and give it your full attention.
Jaz has been there, exactly where these women are that she is dedicated to helping. So she understands wholeheartedly their struggle. Yes, we have Veteran’s Day to honor these women who have served, and the many military men and women who serve our country. But these women experience this struggle on a daily basis. So I encourage you to check out Final Salute and see how you can give back to this community and help these moms get back on their feet. By helping to raise awareness, we can also get Jaz out of business, as she shared is her end goal.
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Do you know a female veteran that you want to recognize? Be sure to share in the comments below.
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