Type Of Business:
Telecommunciations via direct sales and multilevel marketing; micro loans in support of local community; jewelry and hand-crafted 3-D cards.
Expertise:
Telecommunications; Family finance planning; Engineering program and project management
Major Product/SVS:
Various financial services; Telecommunications; Energy, and ; housing assistance;
Favorite Business Publication:
Forbes, Your Business at Home; INC 500
Hobbies/Sports:
Spending time with family; Skiing; Gardening; Hand-made crafts; Working with children's ministries
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, McNeese State University (1982)
Place of Birth:
Lake Charles
Industry:
Telecommunications & Finance
State/Country of Origin:
Louisiana
Children's Names:
Jennifer Johnson-Chaisson
Daphny Bradshaw
Ariel' Johnson
Damien Wilson
Date of Distinction:
7/20/2011
Work History:
Currently - Program Manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Currently - COE of Helping Hands Enterprises - Home-based business:Primary Portfolio includes (i) Telecommunication and energy services through 5LINX a organization that has been named in the Inc 500 list of fastest-growing companies for the past four consecutive years; & (2) Helping Hands Micro Loan Program
Career Achievements:
(1) Receipient of The Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal in recognition of superb support provided to the Engineer Regiment as it performs its primary mission of mobility and countermobility for the United Start Army Corps of Engineers; (2) Received the Exceptional Civilain Service award from the U.S. Secretary of the Army; (3) Meritorus Civilian Service Award from General David Petraeus
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
My desire to truly help people and not give them a "hand out" but a "helping hand" up along with my tenacity to stay focus and never give up until the goal is achieved. The realization that no one person can achieve success without the efforts of each and every person on the team all working toward a common goal and vision established by me as a true leader. I understand the value and potential of the individual and can capitalize on this greatest resource.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
My greatest career achievement has yet to be acomplished. I have reached the position of a GS-15 in the U.S. Government ranking system, but my true impact is what I am doing "outside" the Government venue to have a lasting impact on the youth and young adults in my local community. My vision is to be in a position to offer sanctuary to batter and abused women and their children and provide them with a means of hope, life skills, and theapy so that they are able to turn a potential negative experience into something positive which will have an affect on every person they encounter.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
I was used to provide joy and hope to every single person that I encountered during my time here on earth.
If you could solve one problem in the world today, what would it be?:
Homelessness
If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?:
Nelson Mandella. I would like to understand how he was able to harness the forces of evil to good.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
There are several, but I believe that the most memorable was working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Baghdad, Iraq being surround by individuals from multiple cultures. This experience has taught me that everyone, one matter what walk of life they may be in, all want to be treated with dignity and respect. The smallest gesture of kindness can not only significanly impact one person's life but can have far reaching consequences to an entire culture. I am an ambassdor not only in a foreign country but here in America as well because we can not and should not depend on the Government to take care of our communities. It takes individuals, making the conscious decision, that they CAN and WILL make an impact on individual lives for the better. It is the principal that Jesus displayed and exhibited in the movie entitled Pay It Forward!!!
Charity:
Children's Choir and Sunday School Teacher, Local Church
Number Of Years In Profession:
25
Number Of Years In Current Position:
7
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to her faith in God, as well as her determination and persistence. She also credits her ability to strategize.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she is very family-oriented and, after raising her children, she wanted to help support other families in her community. Was looking for a mechanism that would generate residual long-term income that would not only benefit my family for multiple generations but would also provide a means to impact communities on a local level!
Extended Bio Profile:
In addition to her work with Helping Hands Enterprises, Ms. Jones works as a program manager with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She also has operates a home-based telecommunications company through 5LINX. This company has been named one of the nation's 500 fastest growing companies by Inc.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Helping single parents find housing; Providing small interest-free loans, tax counseling, financial planning and bookkeeping services; Telecommunications provider
Education Certifications:
Project Management Professional; Project Management Institute
Awards/Honors:
Bronze Order deFleury Medal, Army Engineers Association (2007)
Where Will You Be In 5 Years:
In five years, Ms. Jones hopes to partner with the local community and open a women's shelter and be in the position to increase her issuance of microloans from three to five a year to over 100.