We had the good fortune of connecting with Jada Capri Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jada Capri, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I love a good challenge and am always willing to take risks. My career path is unconventional so I have to continuously trust myself and my decisions as only I can see the full vision that I have for myself. The worlds of entertainment and advocacy for me fit together seamlessly; but to others it is a bit unorthodox when it comes to a strategic path. There isn’t a direct blueprint of how to get from point A to point B; so investing in proper mentors, training, schooling, and traveling is essential. My entire journey is a huge risk because nothing is guaranteed. It takes courage to take necessary risks; but having faith and trusting the process will continue to guide me to my purpose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I like to say that I have two sides that fit together seamlessly. One side is my advocacy side, and the other is my artistic/creative side. With my advocacy side, I worked for Congress for four years. There I communicated with all federal agencies, organizations, and other political offices in hopes resolving issues that were brought to our office’s attention. I also corresponded with our legislative staff to bring awareness to the legislative gaps in policies and procedures that hinder resolutions. Within my role as a congressional staffer, I also mentored students who aspire to work for Congress as well. Currently, I work for a lobbying firm where I help to inform elected officials and community leaders of our clients’ positions on various issues. In conjunction with my day job, I was recently accepted into lawyer/political+culture commentator Angela Rye’s Professional Development Program. I am enrolled in the Public Policy and Media Cohorts where I am understanding and applying skills in the public policy and social media disciplines in terms of advocacy and issue awareness. All in all, my overall objective is social justice advocacy and it is my goal to keep this at the forefront of my career. I hope to partner with local and larger social justice advocacy groups, bringing awareness to issues affecting our communities and assist with implementing changes that are needed.

Along with my advocacy side, my artistic/creative side stands strong. I sing, dance, and act. I have been performing recreationally since I was young; and am now actively pursuing a professional entertainment career along with my advocacy career. Within the past two years, I have been in regular acting, dancing, and singing classes. I have also traveled frequently to NY, ATL, and LA for auditions and training opportunities. I have been mentored closely by choreographers/creative directors Tia Rivera and Kiki Ely. In the summer of 2023 I even booked my first professional dance job as background dancer for Asake at the Broccoli City Festival held in Washington D.C. My goal as far as my entertainment career is to take as far as I possibly can. Music, movies, TV shows, tours, you name it; I want to develop my skills across all disciplines and be ready for any and all opportunities that I’m sure will present in due time.

Overall my journey has definitely not been easy. There have been many challenges along the way. My faith has always been pretty strong having an inner knowing that regardless of what’s happening around me, my path is aligned. Having faith and trusting the process is usually a lot easier said than done, especially in moments of adversity. If you keep those morals close to you, it really does help guide you through. Another huge takeaway (that I am still learning to embrace) is knowing when to rest. With two careers where you’re essentially giving so much of yourself all the time, you have to know when to pause to fill your own cup. I think that can apply to anyone regardless of your area of interest.

As far as my brand and looking ahead to the rest of 2024, I am looking forward to growing in both my advocacy and entertainment careers. I am very interested to see the intersectionality between the two sides that make me whole. I have a strong feeling that many exciting opportunities are on the horizon; and I’m eager to see what the future holds

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
To show someone the best time in Atlanta, I would take them to different dance classes. Each city is really unique; but Atlanta has a dance culture unlike anything I’ve ever seen. (In my opinion, the closest to it would be the DMV’s dance culture.) Because of that, we would take a variety of classes throughout the week. Rest and recovery is important; so we would also go to the spa in between time. I love food; so we would try different restaurants too.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom for sure. She is my rock and my greatest inspiration. She has been met with so much adversity over the course of her life; yet she has faced it all with so much courage and grace. She embodies the perfect example of what it means to be a woman. She has the kindest spirit and she’s overall a genuine person which is hard to come by. I know that if I even become half of the woman that she is, I have done okay in life. I thank God for her every day.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadaacapri/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jadaward/

Image Credits
Neely Townes Michael Webber Anaiise Daiz

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