Meet Jessica Schloemp, an Active member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) Jessica is the ParentChild+ Vice Chair on the Community Impact Council. During her Provisional year Jessica completed the Leadership Development Institute and Get on Board programs. Now as a first-year Active member, she is excited for her future with the Junior League of Charlotte. Learn more about Jessica below.
Q: Tell me about yourself
A: I was born in Findlay, Ohio and lived there up until college. I have a brother who is 11 months older than me and a younger half brother and sister that are much younger. I went to Youngstown State University for my undergrad where I majored in Communications and Marketing. I moved to Columbus, OH after I graduated and received my MBA at Franklin University. I was recently asked to relocate to Charlotte for my job and have lived here a little over two years now. My older brother and his family are now close to me, living in Chapin, SC. I am currently working toward my doctorate in Strategic Leadership through Regent University. I also have a three-year-old Berne-doodle named LOUIS!
Q: What have you gotten from the Junior League?
A: I really immersed myself into the JLC immediately. I believe you get out what you put in so I joined the LDI program along with Get On Board. I learned so much through those two programs and am excited to do more. I have also met amazing and talented women through the JLC that I truly believe are lifelong friends and perhaps even professional opportunities down the road.
Q: What have you given to the Junior League?
A: I like to contribute and learn so I hope my energy, spirit, and thoughts are felt to be positive. I have also devoted my time, which I feel is the most valuable thing you can offer. I have put in effort, as well, and wouldn’t change that. I pray that I can make a difference, even though sometimes I don’t feel like I can, I want to continue and give more.
Q: How has the Junior League helped to develop your potential?
A: Through everything the JLC offers, I feel like my potential is endless. There are so many opportunities, teams, groups, placements, etc. to get involved with. The interaction with the other women within the JLC is something I would not have without joining. I moved here from Ohio so I did not know many people and this allows me to learn, gain experience, and share ideas with like minded and different thinking women. I am truly excited for each year and the growth of this organization.
Q: What motivates you to work hard?
A: When I was younger, I was definitely externally motivated from people constantly telling me I couldn’t or I wouldn’t. But now I have learned to have internal motivations and set goals with myself, for myself. I am extremely self-aware and confident of who I am, who I want to be and continue to strive for better. I am also motivated to work for more than what I had as a child. At a young age I learned from people in my life what I did not want to become, so I believe that as long as I could learn from the good and bad situations, I could overcome my circumstances.
Q: If you could choose anything to do for a day, what would it be and why?
A: I am extremely spontaneous and adventurous, so I would probably pick a new city and explore. I love trying new things and meeting new/different kinds of people.
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
A: I would have to choose between two: I received a full ride scholarship to play Division 1 basketball, even when I was told numerous times I wouldn’t and couldn’t. Also, I am in my second year of doctoral school which is something I always wanted to accomplish. It means a lot to me because I was the first kid in my family to get an undergraduate degree, a masters degree, and now a doctorate degree. Since then, my older brother and younger sister have earned their undergraduate degrees and my older brother did finish his masters.
Q: What is your favorite thing about your career?
A: I am a Regional Director for an insurance company and I love helping my agents through training, building relationships, and working outside of the box on complex ideas and concepts.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
A: In the next five years, my goal is becoming President of the JLC. I also have goals for opening my own coaching and consulting firm – focusing on non-profits here and globally, writing numerous books and publications that revolve around leadership, especially women in leadership.
Q: What is one thing you will never do again and why?
A: I explained earlier that I am spontaneous and adventurous, so I created a bucket list and on that was skydiving. I am glad I did it, but have no desire to do that again. I have motion sickness, and I’m not sure why I thought I wouldn’t get sick skydiving, but I felt really sick after. It was fun to do once, but never again!
