We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
“There is freedom waiting for you, on the breezes of the sky. And you ask, “What if I fall?” Oh, but my darling, “What if you fly?” – Erin Hanson

This quote is written on my vision board and I read it every single morning before I start my morning meditation routine. This quote is a daily reminder to concur my hears on a daily basis. I feel empowered and ready to concur the day ahead and take the necessary risk to push forward in my career and personal life. The thought of failure can be paralyzing but with risk taking comes the possibly for flight into the unknown. I have seen time and again that I can truly “fly” when I step out on faith.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I founded Hidden Gem Career Coaching in 2020 following the call to action around racial inequity in the workplace, with a mission to help underrepresented job seekers in all stages of career development. HGCC is a purpose-driven organization that provides resume writing, career coaching, and mentoring services on a sliding payment scale to diverse candidates nationwide. Based on my personal and professional experience as a female Professional of Color I understand how to pinpoint the best aspects of client’s professional experience and market it in the most attractive way possible to potential hiring managers.

I’ve overcome many challenges and roadblocks throughout my professional career to reach my current role. Throughout my career I’ve been the “one and only” person that looks like me in the room and I’ve had to repeatedly overcome the “pet to threat” phenomenon to secure my seat at the table.

A personal and professional core value of mine is showcasing passion in all that I do and I aim to bring this value proposition into all aspects of HGCC. America is at a turning point when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace – and the world is watching. I aim to be of service to diverse and female candidates throughout their employment journey as a form of corporate social justice!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I currently live in the West 7th area of Fort Worth, here are the places I would highly recommend.

– Laughing is good for the soul so a trip to Hyena’s Comedy Night Club is a must
– When people think of Texas, they think of the Stockyards, a chance to see cowboys and checkout Hotel Drover
– Being zen within is important for mental and physical health so a trip to Enso Apothercary for a yoga class and/or mediation
– Food Requirements: Rodeo Goat | Mash’D | Fireside Pies | Blue Sushi | H3 Ranch
– A walk on the Trinity Trails is also an opportunity to see and feed the ducks along with cool street art murals

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout Minda Harts for her amazing books, “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table” and “Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace.” These books are a shining light for Professionals of Color, particularly woman working in corporate spaces. She has given a voice to my lived experiences.

Website: https://www.hiddengemcareercoaching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiddengemcc/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicawilliamsshrmscp/

Other: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/HiddenGemCC

Image Credits
Headshots were taken by Amber Shumake

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