Meet Jada Ward | Performer, Advocate, Creative, Activist

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

Hi Jada, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?

“Everything happens for a reason.” “Timing is everything.”

I love these quotes and I use them all the time because it gives me so much peace knowing that my path is aligned. Everything unfolds as it should when it should. Whenever I become stressed, I have to remind myself that all things in life serve a purpose. I don’t need to worry about the how and when of something happening as long as I am working towards my goals in good faith.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have been performing (dancing, acting, singing, and modeling) for just about all of my life. I started recreationally as a kid and continued all the way through college. I started taking dance classes at the age of two or three but stopped at seven. I then began taking acting and modeling classes, and traveling to LA and NY. At that point I was in the process of acquiring representation but it all came to a halt because of family circumstances. Nevertheless, my desire to be a performer never stopped. Throughout school I joined dance teams, drama clubs, and I was ALWAYS singing in a choir either in school, church, or both.

By the time I reached college, I still had in my mind that I was going to be a performer. I just wasn’t sure how to go about it. I attended St. Mary’s College of Maryland; and I decided to double major in Political Science and Music. I know some might say it’s an odd combination but for me it made sense. Political Science, because I feel that one of my main purposes in life is to help others. I figured learning about politics would be the best way to do so because politics literally determines everything in our society (who gets what, when, where, and how). Music, because performing as a whole has always been my passion. I was really determined to learn everything that I could about it. College seemed like the best time to do so. Within my Music major, my concentration was voice and I was classically trained in five different languages.

During my time in college, I was a part of many organizations where I first began to establish my roots in activism. I helped to establish the SGA Executive Board: Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Representative position and became the first student to hold the position. In this role, I provided a direct liaison for affinity groups and minorities on campus to the SGA and administration, to ensure that issues were being properly conveyed. I was also the President of the Minority Students in the Social Sciences Association. When the remains of enslaved persons were found on the campus’ grounds, the SMCM Commemoration Committee was created to properly commemorate the remains. I was appointed by St. Mary’s College of Maryland’s President, Tuajuanda Jordan, to be the student representative in the committee. Keeping with the notion of advocacy and activism, when it was time to select a topic for my senior thesis, I decided to research race and ethnicity. My paper “Understanding Race and Ethnicity in America: The Census’ Role in Shaping Identity,” was selected to be presented at the 13th Annual Virginia Commonwealth University Politics and Government Student Research Conference in April 2019. Concluding my time in college, I was also selected to receive St. Mary’s College of Maryland Board of Trustees Award awarded to a student for distinguished contributions to the college in April 2019.

After graduating college in May 2019, I knew I wanted a job in politics where I could continue making a difference in people’s lives. I began working for Congressman Steny Hoyer as a Constituent Liaison. I have since been promoted to an Associate Liaison. In this role I have been able to advocate constituent concerns and gain an understanding of various legislative gaps along the way. I communicate with all federal agencies, organizations, and other political offices in hopes resolving issues that are brought to our office’s attention. Within my role as a congressional staffer, I also mentor students who aspire to work for congress as well.

In terms of performance, this past year I began fully training in terms of dance. I quickly learned that dancing recreationally and training in the discipline are very different. I started regularly attending intensives and workshops hosted by choreographers that I’ve followed on Instagram and watched on T.V. for years. It’s honestly been pretty surreal. By my third or fourth intensive, J.R. Taylor selected me for a scholarship to further my training. That gave me a huge confidence boost and solidified that I can in fact do this. Soon after, I traveled to Atlanta for a Dancers Acting Summit hosted by Kiki Ely. The program was cosponsored by Shemeka Ann at her studio. Through this program, I was able to connect with my now acting mentor Erik Lingvall. I am currently taking classes at his studio Catapult Acting Studios. My classes are virtual but I will be traveling in person to Atlanta for self-tapes and auditions. Not long after my Atlanta trip, Tia Rivera announced opening submissions for her month-long Breakthrough Bootcamp Mentorship Program. By that time, I had already taken her intensive and another class with her so I decided to apply. I had no clue if I was qualified enough but I went for it anyway. To my surprise I was accepted into the program but for a virtual option. I was elated because her in-person program was being held in LA. I had no idea how I was going to make that work at the time that I applied but I trusted that whatever was supposed to be, would be. The virtual option was perfect. Since then, I have continued to train regularly and travel frequently for class opportunities and auditions.

Between my day job working for Congress and pursuing a professional performance career, you can definitely say that I have my hands full. I love it so much and I’m really excited for what’s in store.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a kid at heart so I would want to do fun activities throughout the trip. We would go to the Aquarium, Beat the Bomb, Dine & Design ATL, and the Illuminarium just to name a few places. I love a city view so exploring ATL at night and going to different rooftop bars would be a must. We would also shop of course, so we would have to stop at Lenox Square (even if it’s just to window shop lol). Last but not least, I’m a foodie and love trying new restaurants so the options would be endless. The Garden Room Atlanta, Fade & Facet, Houston’s, and Toast on Lenox to start, and then wherever else the city takes us.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
-My mom (Donna Ward) -My sister (Ciara Ward)
-Family & Friends

Instagram: @Jadaacapri

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jadaward

Image Credits
Michael Webber (Pictures 1-5) Anaiise Diaz (Pictures 6-7)