Dr. Yolanda Jerry is a retired Air Force veteran, speaker, author, life coach, and entrepreneur. She impacts many around the world with her passionate, bold, and fierce approach to living life. Individuals and organizations have been impacted by her powerful, relevant and relatable messages as she advocates for truth, healing, resiliency and empowering growth. She coaches, inspires, and empowers victims/survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and youth bullying.
She shares her story as a sexual assault and domestic violence survivor and what it takes to no longer be a victim but a victor! Dr. Jerry empowers her audience to embrace their past and grow to their next level, personally and professionally. Men and women who have been positively impacted by Dr. Jerry’s content are more empowered to create the best version of themselves and become intentional in their life’s purpose and execution of their goals.
Dr. Yolanda Jerry is the Founder/CEO of YJ Empowerment Solutions, LLC. She is the Business Manager for iRunMS Entertainment, LLC and also a research specialist with the University of Virginia. She’s a contributing author in the collaborative book by Overcomers of Domestic Violence titled “When a Woman’s Fed Up,†the book titled “What is a Courageous Woman?â€, “The MizCEO Book†for female entrepreneurs by female entrepreneurs and “Letters to Our Daughters,†an empowering book for young girls.
She’s been featured in several publications, including The Huffington Post, Sheen Magazine, and on the cover of Glambitious Magazine, Courageous Woman Magazine and MizCEO Entrepreneurial Magazine. Dr. Jerry has been a speaker for Air Force and Navy military installations, Alpha Gamma Xi Military Sorority, Inc., Girls Scouts of America, for various non-profits organizations, other businesses, various high schools, churches, and youth groups. Dr. Yolanda Jerry was awarded many major awards and accolades during her 20 years in the Air Force. She served as a Certified Sexual Assault Victim Advocate for nine years when she was active duty. She also earned her Associate of Applied Science Degree, Logistics in 2008 and Associate of Applied Science Degree, Education, and Training in 2012 at the Community College of the Air Force.
In April 2018 she was certified as a Life Coach. Furthermore, she received her Honorary Doctorate and also a Humanitarian Service Award in June 2018 from Trinity International University of Ambassadors. She is the recipient of the 2018 MizCEO Authorpreneur of the Year Award and the 2019 Mississippi Gulf Coast Black Owned Businesses Rising Star Award. Dr. Jerry is a member of W.I.S.H. (Women Inspiring Sisters Hearts) and also a soror of Alpha Gamma Xi Military Sorority, Inc. She is also a board member for the Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence, Inc. She resides on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with her family.
Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Dr. Jerry, Dr. Jerry?
Dr. Jerry: I’m an empowered, passionate and purpose-driven advocate for the downtrodden and mistreated people of the world. In particular, I stand up for survivors and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and bullying.
Fancy: What sparked your interest in the Air Force?
Dr. Jerry: Because my father had served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force Reserve, I always had a respect for the military. When I was in high school, I joined the Junior ROTC program and started thinking about my future. I knew my parents couldn’t afford to send me to college so I asked my father if I could join the military. He gave me his blessing and advised that I join the Air Force since I didn’t like to swim…lol. I left for boot camp in October ‘94 and served 20 years honorably.
Fancy: So did you begin YJ Empowerment Solutions before or after retiring and can you tell us more about it?
Dr. Jerry: I started YJ Empowerment Solutions, LLC. after retirement. To be accurate, it was a few months later after my father had passed away a couple of years ago. My father was my biggest supporter in life and he made me promise to keep going after my passion. He said to me he would always be here with me in spirit.
Fancy: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Dr. Jerry: I enjoy being used by God as a vessel to do His work. Whether that’s covering people in prayer, being an advocate for those who suffer in silence or just helping individuals push beyond their past and grow to the next level, personally and professionally.
Fancy: Are clients referred to YJ Empowerment through an agency or are you all open to the public?
Dr. Jerry: I am open to the public. Most of my clients are by referrals, networking events and/or from social media platforms.
Fancy: You survived both sexual assault and domestic violence. Can you tell us more about what happened?
Dr. Jerry: When I was a young kid, I was sexually assaulted by a family friend. The man who violated me, scared me to the point where he threatened to kill my parents and me if I said anything to anyone. Needless to say, I never said anything because I didn’t want my parents to be harmed. I never shared this horrific experience until I was an adult learned the man had passed away. As a young adult, I was a victim of domestic violence in my first marriage and the abuser was my daughter’s father. I went through it all…emotional, spiritual, financial, etc- you name it. Eventually, I got fed up…I left with the help of a good friend, filed for divorce, and never went back. Of course, I had to seek on-going counseling but now I’m stronger because of it. There’s a lot more to my life’s story but I’ll leave it all for my next book.
Fancy: What books are you currently reading?
Dr. Jerry: I’m currently reading my Bible (as always), Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan to Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer (for 5th time) and Girl Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Success, Sanity, and Happiness for Female Entrepreneurs.
Fancy: How do you practice self-care? I practice self-care in several ways.
Dr. Jerry:
- I say NO to others when necessary, and YES to myself; this way I’m not burnt out, stressed, or overworked. You must rest/sleep.
- Prayer, meditation, and staying connected with my church family.
- Self-Care Trip to disconnect, relax and rejuvenate at least once a year.
- Exercise to keep cardio intact…Good for the heart.
- Spend a weekend with my close loved ones at least once a month whether going to the spa, movies, recreational activities, etc.
Fancy: Do you have any upcoming events or projects that you care to share?
Dr. Jerry: Yes, I do have a few events/projects that will be coming up and released in the year 2020. One of the projects I’m working on is a faith-based drama called ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes.†This series is produced by Alvin Moore Entertainment (AME) and focuses on students and the education system. You’ll see me and my AME family soon…Lights, camera, action…All Kingdom Work for the Glory of God!
Connect with Dr. Jerry
Website: www.iamyolandajerry.com
Facebook/Instagram/Twitter: @yjempowers
