Jenn Helping Others (Jenn Drakes // With Insights by Kim)

Edition Seventeen- Week Seventeen:

Written By: Mercedes Barreto

What lessons did you learn from Jenn Drakes about life or in general? Overall, how valuable or essential would you say that lesson was? Why and how so?

“One of the most impactful lessons I learned from Jenn Drakes was about our society. Her insightful perspective on the issues of many ethnic groups trying to co-exist was constructive. I had reached out to Jenn with some work that I was doing around racial disparities. I was looking for her to interpret some graphs and write a narrative to help illuminate ways to view what they could be telling us. She immediately realized that the communication was “sensitive and needed to be atypical in its messaging. Underserved communities have been crying out about profiling, bias, discriminatory practices, etc., and these cries have typically been dismissed and ignored.” Her understanding is that these cries are only taken seriously when those in groups of power step in. She referred to the George Floyd case and how it globally brought to light that police discriminatory practices do indeed exist. Today’s technology has enabled a massive and immediate response from around the world protesting these inequitable situations.

Jenn helped me tell the story of the graphs I showed her; her perspective was unique. “For me, it is a story of validation. Our society is made up of many ethnic groups. Those charts demonstrate a prosperity ranking that clearly shows people of color are at the bottom of that ranking. Furthermore, it also shows that the [charitable] funding is primarily achieving its intent [reaching the most vulnerable populations].”

What do you admire about Jenn Drakes and her professional capabilities? Why so?

“I knew I could count on Jenn to have a meaningful discussion about the sensitive racial background issues. She complimented me by saying she respected me for trying to learn and understand. In part of this learning, Jenn sent me many articles that she had written and a link to her podcast. Upon reviewing what she shared, I could tell she thought deeply about her writing. It offered thought-provoking perspectives to explore. She is a courageous writer and speaks her truth. “I know my skin color, but I do not see it. As such, I hate labeling both black and white or a group of people. If you look at your racial groupings, others were all appropriately based on actual ethnicities, such as Middle Eastern, Hispanic, etc., which makes sense. Those previously mentioned do not. More so, those labels were formed from hate and superiority complexes, so why would a supposedly advanced society continue to permeate that wrong marred in ignorance??”. Also, she is eloquent and can convey her thoughts beautifully in an easy-to-understand style.”

In terms of timing, did you meet Jenn Drakes at a pivotal point in your life? What was that like?

“I met Jenn in a World Summit group with Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi. We were assigned the same breakout room for the duration of the summit, and the group continued to connect even when the summit ended. I was attending the World Summit because I was on the cusp of quitting my 18-year-long job and was looking to make a massive shift. So yes, it was a pivotal point in my life. I reached out to Jenn when dealing with toxic stress in my workplace. She already understood the race-related tensions that I was dealing with. I was taking medical stress leave, and she was a voice of comfort and support for me. She was generous with her time and compassion in always responding when I reached out to her. I felt heard and understood by Jenn. She always went one step above and beyond by sending me links to her work that she thought would help me. And it did immensely.”

Would others benefit from a meeting with Jenn Drakes?

“Absolutely! Jenn is the kind of person that you feel is your friend immediately. She is easy-going and wise. She is more than eager to help without any strings attached….”If I can help, I will.” I never felt like she wanted anything in return, unlike many others trying to get you to buy something from them.”

What are some personal characteristics or traits that you feel have changed or have benefitted from working with Jenn Drakes?

“I stepped out of my comfort zone because of Jenn and did something I never thought I could or would in a million years! But I did it because she had the confidence in me to do this. I was a guest on her podcast. I have always been terrified of being on video and to be live was even scarier! But it was the most thrilling experience. She is such a pro and made it so easy to chat. Now, I know I can do this, and it has helped me move forward with new-found self-confidence. I am building a business, and part involves putting myself in the social media world in pictures and videos. This experience was a massive boost for me to do this believing in myself.”