NAME OF COMPANY?
Southern Heritage Financial Group
WHAT HBCU YOU ATTEND?
Alabama A&M University
WHAT MADE YOU ATTEND YOUR HBCU?
One of my high school teachers told me I was too good to go to an HBCU and that I was limiting myself. I love a challenge and was determined to prove her wrong.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN DURING YOUR TIME A YOUR COLLEGE?
I learned not only how rich in heritage HBCUs are, but also how inherently rich its students are. I learned that I could go as far as my network was wide. I also learned that some of the best family relationships are born between individuals who don’t share blood.
WHAT WAS YOUR DECISION TO PLEDGE DELTA SIGMA THETA INC?
As a 9th grader, I was the first
Delta GEM in my county. It was through this program that I was mentored by so many women who were professional, classy, educated, socially and economically conscious forces to be reckoned with, and I wanted to be just like those women. Most importantly, it is because of one of my mentors that I received a full-scholarship to Alabama A&M University. I shared with her one morning before the school bell rang that my parents broke the news to me the night before that I couldn’t go to a 4-year college because they didn’t have the money. I had no idea that week that an admissions counselor from AAMU would be visiting our school. She came and got me from class one day later that week and took me to meet the counselor who gave me a full-scholarship on the spot. I remember her telling me that my educational abilities and my desire to make something of myself would take me places when money wasn’t available. She took me under her wing and mentored me all through high school and even adopted me as her goddaughter. It was her belief in me and her commitment to my betterment not just educational but as young smart black girl that stuck with me and ultimately led me to the decision back in high school that I wanted to be everything she was, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a part of that. Not only my godmother, but so many other women of Delta have poured into my throughout my life. From family members to one of my college professors to my college honors center advisor and many of my college friends, all of these women have poured into me and spoke things into my life and believed in me in ways that I didn’t always see or believe myself. It is because of all of these women that I am the woman who I am today, and strive to be better each and everyday.
HOW DID YOUR HBCU EFFECT YOUR LIFE?
My HBCU taught me that excellence is the standard and average isn’t an option. My HBCU expanded my network in ways that I never imagined it would. It also challenged my imposter syndrome and gave me both the permission to and the pride in being my authentic self at all times no matter the audience.
SHARE 3 OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL THING YOU HAVE DONE SINCE LEAVING COLLEGE?
I started my CPA firm which will be 10 years old next year. I was able to hire my mom and provide her with the power and luxury of choice: the choice of when, where, and how she works. I also fired myself from my 9-5 with the federal government after over 11 years of service.
WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE A YOUNG DELTA SIGMA THETA?
The sky isn’t the limit because there aren’t any. No matter what you’ve been told, where you come from, the color of your skin, the curl of your hair, or the size of youe bank account, YOU ARE LIMITLESS!
WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU WITH IN 5 YEARS?
Open multiple locations for my firm in different states.
HOW CAN READERS CONNECT WITH YOU?
IG, TIKTOK, Twitter: @yourfamilycpa facebook & linked in: Jasmine S. Young
