Jada Williams - Founder & CEO, Prestige Workforce
Jada is an entrepreneur devoting her time to ensure individuals with difficulties have limitless opportunities to pursue their dreams. As founder of Prestige Workforce, she helps individuals with developmental, physical and mental disabilities re-enter the workforce with confidence. Jada has successfully placed clients in rewarding, Jacksonville-based careers such as Naval Station Mayport Morale, Welfare & Recreation, Publix, Brooks Rehabilitation and Animal Care of Ponte Vedra, among many others. She’s determined to become the premiere employment provider for individuals with disabilities in Northeast Florida, and we’re cheering her on as she does just that.
The Basics:
Hometown: Ailey, GA
Current city: Jacksonville, FL
Alma mater: Norfolk State University; Liberty University
Degree: B.A., Psychology; Master’s in Human Services Counseling
Very first job: Sandwich Artist, Subway
Hustle: Founder & CEO, Prestige Workforce
The Interests:
Babe you admire and why?
Michelle Obama, because she’s resilient, always going higher in elevation and intellect.
How do you spend your ‘free’ time?
Free time–what is that? Ha, I mostly spend any free time I have with my two-year-old daughter, Legacy.
Three deserted island essentials?
Water, Vaseline, Magazine
What’s your favorite day on the calendar?
The first of each month—a new start and new opportunities!
What job would you be terrible at?
A server—I would be so nervous walking with the food!
If you could add one thing to your office or desk, what would it be?
A massage chair
The Hustle:
Tell us about your hustle.
I’m the founder of a local nonprofit, Prestige Workforce, where we help individuals with developmental, physical and mental disabilities re-enter the workforce. I basically do everything concerning the job placement process. I also market the organization, conduct seminars, speak with employers about open positions, create resumes, do mock interviews, buy professional interview clothing and provide transportation to work, etc.
What led you to start your own business? What did that process look like for you in the early stages?
I started my own organization due to the freedom to work as I please and to be able to help individuals in the ways I want to help them—not the “corporate” way. I did a lot of research, and spent a lot of time going to workshops (and then racing to get back from my lunch breaks,) and I spent my weekends at the library creating my business plan. The process wasn't really difficult at the beginning, just costly. A lot of sleepless nights—mind you, I was six months pregnant when I started the process… so I had a lot going on.
What does the process of working with your clients look like? What services do you provide for them—does this extend beyond helping them get a job?
The process does take some time, due to the fact that a lot of my clients must be customers of Vocational Rehabilitation first. Once they become eligible, then they can choose an employment provider—such as myself—to help them find their next career. We also provide career coaching, on-the-job training, self-advocacy training and money management.
Have you always been interested in working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
Yes. I was previously a counselor for eight years, working with this unique population. I've always been interested in the way people behave the way they do and I wanted to understand rather than judge—that’s why I majored in Psychology.
What's your relationship like with your clients? What's your approach to building a level of trust while maintaining necessary emotional boundaries?
I pride myself on building therapeutic relationships with my clients by being relatable. I let them know I understand what they’re going through, and that I’m here to enhance their careers.
How much oversight does your day-to-day include? How do you balance managing your team, while keeping up with your own tasks?
I normally give my Executive Assistant her job duties on Monday. I complete my task list on the first of the week, and delegate which items have more importance. I have a social media manager as well, and I'm hoping to hire two more full-time job coaches. I balance by keeping organized with Google Calendar—I’m old fashioned and write everything down in a notebook.
What would you say is your biggest career milestone to date and why?
I was nominated for the Jax Chamber Professional Women’s Council’s “Women Connecting Women Minority award” last October. It was such an honor, and I was up against someone who had over twenty years of experience compared to my two, so that was inspiring to me.
How has being a woman has impacted your professional experience? What can we do to create more equal, uplifting (and well-paying!) spaces for women in your industry?
We need to honor women for their transferable skill sets; we can do that by opening the doors for more opportunity for female-led roles.
Who are some women in your field that you look to for inspiration?
Janice Bryant Howroyd. She is founder and CEO of The ActOne Group, the largest privately held, minority-woman-owned personnel company founded in the U.S. Howroyd is most well-known as being the first African American woman to build and own a billion-dollar company.
What are your aspirations for the future of Prestige Workforce?
I aspire to open up three more locations in Miami, Orlando and Atlanta within the next two years.
Are you involved with any other careers, side projects or organizations?
I’m a member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, the NAACP and the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida.
Career and/or life advice for other babes (both inside and outside of your industry?)
My advice would be to ask yourself first, “Why do I want to start a business? How will my business improve the lives of others?” Then, dive into your research, learn as much as you can, and earn certifications in your chosen industry.
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