Conversations with the Inspiring Janelle Woods-McNish

Today we’d like to introduce you to Janelle Woods-McNish.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Born in Southern California and raised in Texas, I have a love for all things Southern and Spicy. One fateful day, I decided to venture to the Northeast, leaving behind family and warm weather, to pursue a Master’s degree at Boston College. While I still love the heat, the Commonwealth is now home and 13 years later I am proud to live in and be part of the great city of Boston and the neighborhood of Dorchester.

I oversee Harvard Pilgrim’s Employee Service and Giving Program. In my role, I help create opportunities for our employees to become local philanthropists — giving back in ways that are meaningful and important to them. But my work doesn’t end there. My team and I are very intentional and thoughtful about how we work in and support our communities. From purchasing food from local caterers, hiring minority and women-owned photographers, to partnering with non-profits and customer business accounts who share our values, we constantly seek ways to maximize our community contributions.

As a former Mrs. Massachusetts and reigning Mrs. New England International, I’ve used this title and platform to elevate my personal passion and mission of advocating for young girls who are victims of human trafficking and commercial exploitation. I recently launched an international campaign called ” I Am Valued” with ambassadors from around the world fighting this modern-day form of slavery in their countries. We spread the message that girls should be valued and not viewed or used as a value.

I am a wife, mother, professional, beauty queen, and a community advocate, I wear many hats and titles. My most prestigious and valuable titles are wife and mother to 10-year-old twins Jasmine and Sheridan.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The journey will always be bumpy and what I’ve come to learn and appreciate the most is the path is often one that you never imagined you would be on. My journey has taken me to orphanages and townships in South Africa, writing a children’s book, and even watching my son play soccer internationally in Spain. I could not have imagined or specifically planned any of these amazing experiences but I have always given myself permission to be great- and to fail. I constantly ask myself why not and remind myself that I never have to dim my light or settle. One key part of this journey is that it is not meant to be taken alone. I surround myself with positive, ambitious and supportive friends and family. They lift, encourage and when needed reproach. It’s imperative that you fill your life with people who will fill your cup – not deplete it.

What should we know about your business? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My work to raise awareness about and end human trafficking and the commercial exploitation of young girls is my personal passion, legacy and one of my greatest joys. I use every opportunity I can to talk about this issue and work to ensure that all of our girls are valued and not viewed as a value. Specifically, I am proud of the following:

– National Spokesperson for Children of the Night
-Created Public Service Announcements that have been shared widely on Social Media and played on NBC
-Founder of I Am Valued Movement
-Wrote a children’s book: Grandma’s Crown the Story of Queen Janelle- with all proceeds benefiting Children of the Night
-Volunteer and Supporter of My Life My Choice

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Find a mentor who brings a different perspective, has a different life experience, who can provide honest and clear feedback. Both of my mentors happen to be men and they challenge me to think differently and view situations from a different perspective.

In both cases, I formally asked them to be my mentor – I didn’t wait or assume that they would be too busy or not interested. Even if you think someone may not have the capacity to support you as a mentor don’t shy away from asking – you may get a yes or you may get someone who is unable to commit in this capacity but willing to be a reference, sounding board, meet occasionally for coffee, etc.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Janelle Woods-McNish and I Am Valued Movement
• Facebook: Janelle Woods-McNish and I Am Valued Movement
• Website: www.janellewoodsmcnish.com and www.iamvaluedmovement.com
• Email: info@janellewoodsmcnish.com

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