Jessica Gould is the owner and operator of J Gould Consulting. She established her company out of a recognition that the disability community, particularly individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities, was significantly underrepresented in the political arena. Jessica observed that this community often struggled to secure essential funding compared to other minority groups. With a vision for change, she set out to collaborate with state and federal organizations to increase the success rate of legislation impacting this demographic, aiming to expand her efforts across the country over the years.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Applied Behavioral Science and an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Known for her friendly and outgoing nature, she is approachable and easy to talk to. In her professional environment, Jessica maintains a high level of professionalism, actively listens to her clients, and delivers precisely what they need based on their feedback.
Since 2019, J Gould Consulting has been instrumental in guiding the developmental service industry through the legislative process. The firm focuses on connecting organizations with key players to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed in policy discussions.
Currently, J Gould Consulting is undergoing an expansion and is about to take its services nationwide. The firm is nationally recognized and has successfully trained organizations in other states virtually over the years.
Accessibility in Advocacy
The focus of J Gould Consulting is to train organizations that represent individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as broader disability communities, on how to effectively engage in the legislative process. Jessica highlights that the extent to which organizations progress in this process is ultimately up to each individual, but the goal is to enhance their success rates by providing all the necessary tools and knowledge.
Jessica collaborates closely with the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, which has representation in every state, as well as the Association of Regional Centers, which is focused in California. Her partnerships extend to several other federal and state organizations, all aimed at creating a more robust support system for the disability community in legislative matters.
J Gould Consulting has extended its partnerships with the following:
- State Council on Developmental Disabilities. State and national chapters.
- Lanterman Housing Alliance.
- Disability Rights. California national and state chapter.
- Association of regional centers.
- Cal Tash.
State Council states that J Gould Consulting firm works with community groups, collaboratives, nonprofits, and government entities like the State Council on Developmental Disabilities to get the word out and to discuss policy issues that impact people with IDD, and to ensure people with IDD have the advocacy and policy info they need to be effective advocates.
Jessica states, “We are a company on the grow, but we’ll remain a socially minded organization. Our focus is on making grassroots lobbying techniques affordable to anyone who needs them. That will not change regardless of our size.” This commitment to accessibility and social responsibility underscores the mission of J Gould Consulting as it continues to expand its reach and impact.
Mission-Driven Leadership
Jessica’s plan for her growth as a woman leader centers around remaining steadfast in the mission that inspired her to start J Gould Consulting. Her focus is on expanding the company while staying true to its core values and goals. Jessica emphasizes that integrity has been the foundation upon which she built her business, and she is committed to maintaining that principle as the company grows.
When it comes to improving society and the lives of others, Jessica identifies three key areas of focus for her organization:
- Staying True to Mission: Jessica trains all her clients to remain aligned with their missions, ensuring that their goals reflect their values and commitments.
- Knowing When to Compromise: She teaches clients the importance of strategic compromise in the political process, emphasizing that flexibility can be vital for achieving their objectives.
- Sharing the Space: Jessica consistently reminds her clients that, as a minority group, it is essential to learn how to share the spotlight with others. This principle fosters collaboration and understanding, helping to create a more inclusive environment for everyone involved.
Through these guiding principles, Jessica aims to empower her clients and cultivate a sense of community and solidarity within the disability advocacy space.
Inclusivity at the Core
According to Jessica, the cornerstone of J Gould Consulting’s company culture is inclusivity. She firmly believes in providing equal opportunities for anyone eager to learn, emphasizing that engaging in the legislative process through grassroots lobbying is not a new concept but rather one that has been overlooked over time. Jessica’s team works diligently to remind people across the country that change is possible, with the key being knowledge and understanding of how to effect that change. By equipping individuals and organizations with the necessary tools and insights, Jessica aims to empower them to navigate the legislative landscape effectively and advocate for their communities.
Transforming Advocacy
Jessica underlines the significance of innovative ideas within J Gould Consulting by highlighting the evolution of grassroots lobbying. Traditionally, many individuals and organizations approached this process with a mindset of desperation, often resorting to begging and pleading for support. Jessica believes this approach is outdated and unnecessary.
Through her prior experiences before establishing her agency, she discovered that effective grassroots lobbying hinges on understanding key elements, such as budget requirements and the specific amounts requested from the government. While there are additional complexities involved, she asserts that keeping these fundamental aspects in mind is essential for successful advocacy. By shifting the focus from a position of weakness to one of informed strategy, Jessica aims to empower her clients to engage confidently and effectively in the legislative process.
Taking the Leap
Outside of checking emails, Jessica Gould’s daily routine involves connecting with her clients, addressing their needs, and continually focusing on expanding her network to enhance the overall success of J Gould Consulting. She is dedicated to building relationships that can lead to greater opportunities for her company.
Reflecting on her journey, Jessica identifies the biggest risk she took as the financial investment she made in herself six years ago to launch her business. At that time, there were no funding sources available, but she believes that risk has ultimately paid off.
Jessica advises those just starting their careers to carefully assess the risks they are willing to take and to understand when to take them. She emphasizes that substantial changes take time to yield results and encourages newcomers to be firm in their concepts. Additionally, she suggests seeking out mentors in the field who can provide guidance and insight, even if it requires a modest investment.
