Today we’d like to introduce you to Demika Jackson.
Hi Demika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstory.
I served in the military from 1999 to 2004 and received full medical retirement due to complications. I went on to oversee the Army’s Sexual Assault/Harassment program as the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and eventually became a mobile SHARP Consultant for DOD. I went on to work within the education and nonprofit sector for several years. Seven years ago, I was awakened at 3:45 am, and the Holy Spirit told me to start writing. I wrote down a four-phase plan for a company, which included the name ReInVentU and the scripture Romans 12:2. At this time, I had never seen myself as an entrepreneur. I saw myself as a chief operations officer within someone else’s company. However, that was not the plan God had for me. The following steps were to protect the name, file the paper away until the appointed time, and perfect my skills.
Over the next few years, I attended local, state, and national programs regarding business development, entrepreneurship, and education with my expertise. In March 2019, the Holy Spirit said quit my job and turn the company into an LLC. I turned the company into an LLC but didn’t quit my job. I said, “NO.” I rationalized that being a single mother meant I needed the income. However, I quickly learned that when God gives instructions, he plans to sustain us in all areas of our lives. That year, I bought my father and great-grandmother (the woman who raised me) and was dealing with a new CEO who continued to discriminate against and harass me. On October 31, 2019, the new CEO called me into the conference room and said, “I no longer fit the organization’s culture.” I had never been written up.
Still, I knew it was coming after I went to the board about harassment and discrimination. She then asked that I sign a paper stating that I wouldn’t sue to get my last paycheck; I took the paperwork but declined. Later, I filed an EEO complaint. Immediately after, I received a call from two friends inviting me to breakfast. The following day, both women stated that God told them to sow into my business and told me to “Never look back.” I started working full-time in my company, ReInVentU, LLC, on November 1, 2019. In 2020/2021, I became the first black woman to open a Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in the country, and I am now starting a female veterans magazine, ReInVentU Magazine.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, the road has been challenging. I have had men ask me, “Who gave me the right to open a Chamber? Are you qualified?” I have been stalked, threatened, harassed, and character-defamed by both men and women. It has been rough, but I’ve been through worse, and I’m not easily defeated.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ReInVentU, LLC/Jacksonville Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Inc.?
ReInVentU, LLC focuses on nonprofit management solutions and professional development. Our professional development courses and programs have either state or national certification/accreditation. We provide CEUs in case management, community health work, prevention, addictions, mental health, victim advocacy, and grant writing. We worked very hard to accomplish this over the years. We are most proud of our Victim Advocate Certificate Program. We can train civilians, military, and universities through a nationally accredited 40-hour to 60-hour program. We are also proud of the new on-demand online school being rolled out this month. Now, individuals can learn at their own pace with courses uploaded frequently. Readers can learn more about us at https://reinventullc.com.
The Jacksonville Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Inc. (JaxVCC) focuses on enriching and increasing sustainability within the lives of our transitioning military, veterans, and their families through Business, Employment, Education, and Advocacy. Although still new, we are focused on bringing information, workshops, networking events, and opportunities for our veteran business owners to gain access to capital. Readers can learn more at https://jaxvcc.org.
ReInVentU Magazine will be up and running this month. Provides a platform through which female veterans can have a voice to discuss how they have overcome transitioning from the military, life challenges they have faced, societal expectations they have experienced, and more, with the vision of empowerment through transformation, renewing of spirit, and reinvention of self. These women are a representation of all the armed forces. They are mothers, daughters, providers, teachers, conquerors, survivors, chaos-makers, influencers, and trendsetters. These women have persevered and risen above adversities. Their stories will inspire and motivate you!
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory happened when I was in 6th grade. Several of us received a full four-year scholarship to college based on our academics and scores. We could attend any college within New York State upon graduating high school.
Pricing:
- Contact us
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reinventullc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reinventu_llc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReInVentULLC
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reinventu-llc/?viewAsMember=true
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demika-jackson/
