Faces of WEST
Jessica Watson
WEST Board – Member
Never give up on being the best version of you. Live, learn, and grow! Believe that if you want to be it, you can achieve it!”
- Tell us about yourself.
I have been labeled an influencer. I am married with a large, blended family and grandchildren. I have been blessed to have given birth twice and my son and daughter have been my strength and purpose of living a meaningful and influential life thus far. My husband encourages me daily to believe in myself, and his compliments are my empowerment. I am a 20+ year municipal government employee, currently the Secretary-Treasurer, Committee of Adjustment with the City of Windsor. My passion is truly in travelling, and those who know me can attest I don’t sit still for too long! The world is filled with so much awe – each time I see a new part of it, I crave more! My favourite book is ” In the Meantime: Finding Yourself and The Love You Want” by Iyanla Vanzant – I read it in my 20’s and never lost touch with all it taught me. I recently bought the book again and looking forward to reading it again (now in my 40’s), it will be interesting to see if my perspectives and purposes have changed in the past 20 years. One thing I valued from her book is we cannot draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth. The only way to get what we really want is to let go of what we don’t. Those lessons alone are priceless! - What does WEST mean to you?
WEST to me has more than just a “meaning”. Being part of WEST Board of Directors, reminds me that as a young girl I may not have had the ability to make independent choices for myself based on gender bias, but as a woman it empowers me to know that each women has a say in their future, and we can provide them with amazing programs, leadership, and mentors to encourage their journey. With WEST, I am part of an organization that is providing ALL women an opportunity to have ownership over their own independence. WEST fosters confidence building, and inspires personal growth, which is a dynamic movement for revolutionizing all women to be the “her-oes” they were born to be. - What motivated you to get involved with WEST, and how has it impacted your life?
Getting involved with WEST has matured me personally and professionally! I joined the Board to be part of a movement I feel inspires, and encourages women to be who they want, and not what society dictates them the “norm” should be. WEST promotes equality and helps distinguish the meaning of being who YOU are born to be! - In your opinion, what sets WEST apart in its approach to supporting women in the community?
WEST supports all women, no matter their age, background, religion or mission. We break barriers! WEST’s leadership, programs and partnerships help shape the organizations mission and values. Our recognition alone for the amazing programs we offer, sets us apart from others. We are a movement that continues to set our standards above others, and our clients participation with their success stories continues to prove it. - Reflecting on your journey with WEST, what’s one significant lesson or insight you’ve gained that you’d like to share with others?
I’ve learned that we all are a piece of this big puzzle of life and knowing that I can contribute to the big picture as a small piece, makes me feel a sense of belonging and confidently doing my part to empower. WEST truly embraces the difference it makes in women’s lives and in return, we individually are strengthened. - What advice do you have for women striving to achieve their dreams?
Never give up on being the best version of you. Live, learn, and grow! Believe that if you want to be it, you can achieve it! - Is there any woman that has inspired you or continues to inspires you?
EVERY woman I meet is an inspiration in my life, no matter how big or small their accomplishments are. I feel that if you are still living, your purpose is not finished! We can always re-write our chapters, and our stories deserve to be shared. Every women, everywhere, has a story worth sharing. - What are some challenges you’ve faced in your journey, and how have you overcome them?
In my journey I have faced discrimination, and confused that with failure! I realized through faith and perseverance and constant reminders, that I matter! I realized, these minor setbacks at the time were actually “set-ups” for what was to come. I am thankful I never gave up, I only got better! I had to go thru every challenge I needed to, in order to get to this moment now. Reflection! - Can you share a memorable moment or achievement during your time at WEST that has been meaningful to you?
While serving on the Board, I didn’t realize my involvement timelapse, only my contributions. Recently I received the news that I am going to be recognized by receiving an Ontario Volunteer Service Award from the Province for my 5 years with the Board. This is such and honour, and a reminder to me that time truly flies when you are enjoying what you are doing! I am grateful! - How does WEST ensure that its programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of participants and the community?
WEST connects, WEST communicates, and WEST responds. WEST recognizes what is needed in the community and collectively works endlessly to make a difference. WEST promotes, encourages, empowers and stays committed to it’s core values and mission with determination. By building great partnerships, WEST truly is it’s own success story. We build on our mission each day, and the value it provides to our participants is evident we are making great strides for women every day to achieve the greatness within them. We are creating stronger women, and by doing so, we are impacting the future generation of women – in the end the world benefits from our mission today for a greater tomorrow!
