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