About Ola

I’m just kicking up my heels with excitement about our new ventures

It was Mother’s Day 1991 when I received a handmade Mother’s Day card and a check with a note that would change the direction of my career. The greeting card read, “Happy Mother’s Day from the staff of Jackson Communications,” later the name changed to OWN: Onyx Woman Network. For some time we were simply referred to as (OWN). My unofficial employees consisted of my husband, Daryl, and my 5-year-old son, Armon. At the time, I was a freelance public relations consultant working for small organizations in need of planning and public relations services. I coordinated media coverage for ribbon-cuttings, ground-breaking ceremonies, community events, and business affairs. When the opportunity to work with these organizations full-time presented itself, I seized the moment.

The little boy who signed his name to the greeting card was the impetus behind my desire to branch out on my own. When Armon was about 4 years old, he was diagnosed with autism. At the time, the condition was rarely publicized, and resources weren’t as bountiful or accessible as they are today. Launching my own business would allow me to dedicate more time to meet his ever-changing needs. Although Daryl often joined me, we knew that at least one of us needed to be available to attend the meetings, doctor’s visits, and appointments that were required to lay a solid foundation in the beginning stages of early intervention. We also realized the importance of being available to advocate on Armon’s behalf. We understood that sacrifices would be necessary to allow me to undertake my new venture, but the benefits outweighed the risks. Armon’s well-being was our priority and his needs were not up for negotiation.

Now that three decades have passed, the business has evolved to encompass broadcast forums, educational seminars, and online marketing. I am often asked what has been the best part of my journey. My response? Being at my front door at 3 pm when Armon arrived home from school. That response was often met with perplexed looks. As corny as it may have seemed, being at that door meant the world to me, and fulfilling my commitment and responsibility to Armon’s well-being, while having a fulfilling career, was my true definition of success.

Contact information: Ola@onyxwoman.com

(Click to read more) http://thenewnetworktv.com/autism-and-me/

President and CEO: OWN: Onyx Woman Network

Media that includes a business magazine, conferences and videos. 25 Years of Being a Voice and Giving a Voice to Women of Color

Founder: The NEW Network TV

Media content development and distribution

Producers: Cooking in a Crunch

Upcoming videos on easy, fast and convenient cooking ideas

Speaker: Focused topic:

Entrepreneurship

Women and Self-care

Defining Moments: Parenting a Special Needs Child

Some of the AWARDS and AcKnowledgement

Talk Magazine Woman of Distinction 2016

Mount Ararat Church Community Center Women of Distinction 2016
Pittsburgh Black Media Federation Legend Award 2012
SBA Business Champion Award, 2010
The New Pittsburgh Courier Women of Influence Award, 2009
Robert Morris Alumni Award, 2007
Pittsburgh Women in Business
Ebenezer Church Woman of Distinction Award, 2002
Negro Business & Professional Women’s, Business of Woman of the Year Award, 1999
YWCA Homewood-Brushton Job Training Program Certificate of Appreciation, 1996
Pittsburgh Courier Women of Excellence
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing)Robert Morris University, Pittsburgh, PA, 1987Associate Degree in Specialized Business, (Retail Merchandising) Duff’s Business Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, 1979

AFFILIATIONS, Current and Past:

Board of Directors of Metro Family Practice

Advisory Board for Allegheny County Women, Minority and Disadvantage Business Enterprise

Board of Directors of NEED

Board of Directors of the Hill House Association

Board of Trustees of Robert Morris University

Board of Directors CASA: Court Appointed Special Advocates

Board of Director of WomansPlace

Some Television and Radio Show Appearance:

Elaine Effort KQV Radio

Janet Taylor: Totally Organized Podcast Show

Walk-in Power Radio

Joanne Quinn-Smith, PositivelyPittsburghLive Radio TV

The Impress of Biz with JoAnn Forrestor

Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show Television Show

Impact Television Show

Black Horizons Show

Design Your Life With Carla Radio Show

PCTV 21

Mommies Talk Podcast

Madamanoire Web site

Minority News Online

Bev Smith Show

ONA BROWN Talk Show

Wealthy Sistas Radio

Soul Pitt Media Radio Show

Speaker:

An entertaining and informative presenter, Ola can address topics defining moments in your life as a result of parenting a special needs child into adulthood, starting a business, and lifestyle matters. Ola addresses matters in a realistic, humorous, yet enlightening manner.

Topics: Entrepreneurship

Women and Self-care

Parenting Experience of Raising a Disabled Child

Some Speaking Engagement

Each One Reach One Conference

Our Street to Wall Street Conference

Becoming Conference

Duff Business School Speaker

Helen Faison School

The Goals Conference

Pittsburgh YWCA

Pittsburgh Black Media Federation Legacy Awards

Professional Women in Business

Bev Smith Conference

NAWBO Pittsburgh: NAWBO DAY

Sisters Talking Stock Conference

Black Women Building Wealth Conference

Testimony

Kudos to a wonderful presentation

I’m really glad for the opportunity to catch this speaker in Phoenix recently. She was engaging, funny, and right on point while reaching her target audience at the “Each One, Reach One” conference sponsored by The Message Church. She connected with business owners, caregivers, homeless women, women in transition, domestic violence survivors, all at the same time. She knew her target audience and left us with information and tools to cope with our struggles. Kudos to a wonderful presentation, Ola Jackson!

Michele Greer

Arizona