Meet Cortina Jackson

We recently connected with Cortina Jackson and have shared our conversation below.

Cortina, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
It was 3 days before my 40th birthday, September 2013; my neck was almost broken. When this could not be accomplished, a gun came next! I am a former police officer almost killed by my police officer husband in domestic violence. After escaping, I found myself dealing with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and ideations. I saw how society dealt with the stigmas of mental health after experiencing my own trauma. I saw many areas that needed to be addressed throughout my life.

I witnessed many personalities and areas of focus through my work at a psychiatric prison in West Texas from 1997-2004. I later saw similar issues during my tenure as a police officer in 2005. In 2017 I worked with civilly committed sex offenders in Littlefield, TX; and was part of a treatment team and therapeutic community, dealing with mental health and the stigmas that affect individuals.

I was able to glean information from perpetrators and victims of crime, domestic violence, and sexual abuse, and with this knowledge and my own personal experiences with it, I knew I would be able to walk the walk, and talk the talk.

I knew that being a motivational speaker, and advocate against domestic violence, sexual abuse, trauma, and mental health was my utmost purpose and passion to fulfill.

I am a writer and producer of the movie, “Daddy.” I am an author of 2 fiction thriller books, I am a motivational speaker, I am an actress, I have 3 degrees, I am a talk show host, and a tv producer! I accomplished all of these things after deciding not to take my own life in 2018. Thank goodness that I did not make a permanent decision for a temporary situation of hopelessness.

I know my purpose, and I am happy to make sure other survivors and warriors know that they can survive, thrive, and be successful!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Restarting life after leaving an abusive relationship can present obstacles, challenges, and fears. Leaving the abuse is one of the most dangerous times for victims of domestic violence.

Statistics show that a woman often leaves an abusive relationship seven times before leaving for good. 75% of women are killed by their batterers when they leave.

Victims, survivors, and warriors of domestic violence are facing barriers to their independence, freedom, and success. They want to feel safe, supported, empowered, and informed about services that may assist them as they move forward in their independence.

I was able to move forward and accomplish many dreams, goals, and desires. I wrote down the things that I wanted to happen in my life. Helping people to overcome obstacles and barriers is one of my goals.

Having the opportunity to be the TV producer and Talk Show host of my own show, “Caught on the Hook” Where I Help You Recognize the Bait now streaming on the Zondra TV Network; not only has confirmed for me that there is life after abuse, but also that you can be whatever you desire to be.

My law enforcement and criminal justice background and education of over 20 years working with perpetrators of various heinous crimes, has given me direct insight into what they find attractive in their victims that I am able to share; along with personal safety tips. With the information that I share, it is not a guarantee of safety and security; but the awareness may decrease chances of becoming the next victim and increase steps to positive living that yields success.

I am equally excited as I wrote, directed, produced, and starred in my own film, “Daddy,” that addresses two parallel stories of a man and woman who deal with abandonment, domestic violence, incest, sexual abuse, validation, mental health, and the redemption through God, faith, and changing one’s thoughts to attract the positivity and abundance that was truly meant for our lives.

The movie enjoyed a sold-out, Red Carpet Event in June 2023, and it is now streaming at the Zondra TV Network on Pay-Per-View. It has recently been submitted to film festivals, and will be going into distribution on other platforms soon.

https://zondratvnetwork.com/daddy

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
There were a few takeaways here, since I cover various topics and issues.

From the standpoint of abusive situations: Develop a strategy, tell someone what is happening, prepare a go-bag for emergency situations.

From the standpoint of finding success: I think it is important to develop a plan for your life, write it down and make it plain; your thoughts become your actions, so think about how it would look for you if you were not bound by any limitations.

These things were my focus before, during, and after my own abuse and domestic violence.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with a variety of professionals and individuals who want to be at the forefront of meeting the challenges of domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental health, and our adolescents, as I inform, empower, and inspire through speaking engagements, trainings, symposiums, and through my talk show.

Counselors / Teachers
Social Workers
Program Managers
Administrators
Mental Health Professionals
Substance Abuse Professionals
Youth Ministers
Ministries
Parents and Foster Parents
Parent Educators
Probation Officers
Women’s Shelters
BIPP
Victims and Warriors of abuse
Women’s Groups
Nonprofit Agencies
Victim Services

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Highlighter Series
Where does your generosity come from?

Over the years, we have consistently been blown away by the examples of generosity we’ve

Highlighter Series
Where does your optimism come from?

Optimism is the invisible ingredient that powers so much of the incredible progress in society