Meet Jakaylee Minor

 

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jakaylee Minor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jakaylee , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is deeply rooted in the life experiences that have shaped me into the determined and ambitious young woman I am today. I have always embraced the values of hard work, perseverance, resilience, and independence. These principles have guided me through every step of my academic and professional journey. These experiences, along with the opportunities I have seized, continue to inspire my commitment to excellence and growth.

These qualities were evident early in my journey when I earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Management and Marketing, with a minor in Strategic, Legal, and Management Communications, from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College at just 17, before even completing high school. This experience instilled in me the importance of setting ambitious goals and dedicating myself to achieving them. Now, as I pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing with a minor in Pre-Law at Texas Southern University, I am on track to graduate at the age of 19, further demonstrating my commitment to excellence and perseverance.

At Texas Southern University, I have had the privilege of embracing leadership roles that have challenged me to work hard and lead by example. Founding and serving as President of the Real Estate Society of Texas Southern University has allowed me to develop a vision, implement plans, and create opportunities for others, all of which required dedication and perseverance. Additionally, I have actively participated in several organizations, including the Student Government Association (SGA), National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Pre-Black Law Student Association (PBLSA), and HerTsu (HERTSU). Through these roles, I have honed my ability to manage time effectively, collaborate with diverse teams, and remain committed to achieving meaningful goals. My involvement in programs such as the 2024 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Collegiate Academy and the University of Houston Law Center Pre-Law Pipeline Program (UHLC) has further fueled my drive and work ethic. These experiences have provided me with unique opportunities to grow, push my boundaries, and gain valuable insights into the field of legal studies, aligning with my long-term career aspirations. I also draw inspiration from the recognition I have received, including being named a Jesse H. Jones School of Business Student Scholar for two consecutive years. These honors remind me of the importance of consistency, excellence, and the impact of hard work in all my endeavors.

Outside of university, I am honored to be a student member of the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM), a prestigious international organization that advocates for ethical practices and professional growth in property and asset management. My membership has provided me with invaluable resources, industry connections, and insights that deepen my understanding of real estate and leadership. Additionally, I am actively involved in the Black Girls Leadership Academy (BGLA), a transformative program focused on empowering young Black women through mentorship, skill-building workshops, and community engagement. BGLA not only fosters personal growth and leadership development but also emphasizes the critical importance of giving back to the community, a value that resonates deeply with me. I was privileged to be selected as a mentor for the third cohort, where I had the opportunity to guide and inspire the next generation of leaders, further solidifying my commitment to empowerment and service. Community service has always been a foundational aspect of my life. Over the years, I have dedicated my time to a variety of causes, including volunteering at the Houston Food Bank to help alleviate hunger and support families in need. During my high school years at Pascagoula High School, I had the privilege of serving on the Mississippi Department of Education Student Advisory Council and the Pascagoula Mayor’s Youth Council. These experiences instilled in me the core values of service, dedication, and leadership principles that continue to shape every role I take on. Through these organizations, I developed a profound sense of civic duty and a commitment to positively impacting my community.

My earlier experiences at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College set the foundation for my work ethic. Graduating as a Collegiate Academy (CA) student with honors and actively participating in organizations like the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK), Student Government Association (SGA), Circle K International (CKI), and Concurrent Enrollment Leadership Organization (CELO) taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. Winning the 2023 Black History Month Poetry Contest and being elected to the 2022-2023 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Homecoming Court and Who’s Who Among Students at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Jackson County Campus reinforced the importance of creativity and leadership.

My professional experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping my strong work ethic. Currently, as a Real Estate Agent Administrative Intern with Compass Real Estate on the Rolls Royce Luxury Living Team, I manage marketing tasks, client engagement, and administrative duties with precision and efficiency. In my role as a Recruiter & HR Administrative Assistant at Smarter HR Solutions, LLC, I have further honed my organizational and interpersonal skills, learning to manage multiple tasks while maintaining strong relationships. Additionally, I have gained valuable experience as a Marketing and Finance Intern at First Federal Savings & Loan Association Bank, where I assisted in developing marketing strategies and analyzing financial data to support business decisions. As a Recruitment Sourcing Specialist at HKA Enterprises on the Construction Services, LLC team, I refined my skills in talent acquisition and communication, enhancing my ability to identify top candidates and streamline recruitment processes. Earning my Entrepreneurship & Small Business Certification (ESB) has further solidified my expertise in business planning, marketing, finance, and management, equipping me with the practical tools to approach business challenges strategically.

Lastly, my experience as the 4th Runner-Up and recipient of the Best Interview Award at the Miss HBCU Teen Pageant competition, where I had the honor of representing Mississippi as the 2023 Miss Mississippi HBCU Teen, highlights my dedication to preparation, poise, and personal growth. The Miss HBCU Teen pageant is a prestigious competition that celebrates the achievements and leadership of young women from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) across the nation. In this competition, I represented Mississippi and Texas Southern University, embodying the values of academic excellence, leadership, and community service that are central to both the HBCU experience and my personal mission. The pageant, held in Bowie, Maryland, provided an incredible platform for networking, personal development, and fostering lifelong friendships and sisterhood. Throughout the competition, I built meaningful connections with other young women who shared my passion for empowerment, leadership, and service. These relationships have not only enriched my personal and professional growth but have also become a valuable support system that extends beyond the pageant itself. The experience of forming bonds with such driven, like-minded individuals reinforced the importance of collaboration, community, and mutual support in achieving success. As Miss Mississippi HBCU Teen, I took on significant responsibilities, including community service initiatives, leadership roles, and public speaking engagements. I worked diligently to promote educational awareness, cultural pride, and empowerment among youth, while emphasizing the importance of self-confidence, discipline, and giving back to the community. My role involved not only representing my state and university but also serving as a role model and advocate for positive change. I participated in various outreach programs, from mentoring youth to organizing charity events, all while striving to make a tangible impact. Competing in this pageant refined my skills in communication, problem-solving, and leadership, all of which are vital to my academic and professional success. This experience, combined with my commitment to community service, leadership, and academic excellence, continues to shape my work ethic. It is a reflection of my determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to striving for excellence in everything I do. Whether through leadership, volunteering, or overcoming challenges, I constantly set high standards for myself and seek to inspire others to do the same.

My future career aspirations are driven by my deep passion for leadership, real estate, business, and law. I am determined to become an international attorney specializing in corporate and real estate law. One of my ultimate goals is to establish a global law firm alongside my identical twin sister, Jashaylee Minor, who currently attends Howard University in Washington, D.C. Together, we envision creating a firm that transcends borders, providing innovative and inclusive legal solutions to clients worldwide, while setting a new standard of excellence in the legal industry. My twin sister, Jashaylee, has already achieved remarkable success in her own right. She is currently pursuing her second undergraduate degree in Political Science at Howard University, where she has earned recognition as a trailblazer in both academic excellence and public service. Jashaylee’s impressive journey includes interning at the White House where she gained firsthand experience in public policy and leadership alongside other future leaders of the nation. She has also worked closely with various legal professionals, exploring her passion for law and public service through many internships and mentorships. Our shared passion for leadership, mentorship, and social justice continues to drive our collective vision of creating a legacy of positive change. Together, we are not only dedicated to providing exceptional legal services but we are also committed to making a meaningful impact by creating opportunities for underrepresented communities. Through mentorship, advocacy, and leadership, we aim to empower others and foster diversity within the legal profession. By combining our strengths, talents, and shared vision, we aspire to build a legacy of integrity, innovation, and positive change in the corporate and real estate legal sectors.

At the core of my ambitions is an unwavering work ethic, driven by my determination to excel in all areas of life. Whether in academics, leadership, or personal growth, I prioritize commitment, responsibility, and excellence. I believe that overcoming challenges and maintaining resilience are essential to growth and success. My journey has been shaped by the pursuit of high standards, and I am committed to inspiring others to do the same. Through my efforts, I aim to lead by example and make a meaningful impact in all that I do.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My name is Jakaylee Minor, and I am 19 years old, originally from Pascagoula, Mississippi. From a young age, I was determined to build a successful future for myself. At the age of 18, I made the life-changing decision to move to Houston, Texas, on my own to pursue my academic and career aspirations. This bold move was a pivotal moment in my journey, and since then, I have experienced several milestones that continue to drive my passion for success, including securing my own luxury car and apartment. These accomplishments represent my dedication, hard work, and commitment to my personal and professional growth.

Currently, I am deeply focused on advancing my career as both a professional and an entrepreneur. I wear many hats in the business world. I am a Real Estate Agent Administrative Intern with Compass Real Estate on the Rolls Royce Luxury Living Team, where I handle marketing, client engagement, and various administrative responsibilities. In this role, I have gained invaluable experience in the real estate industry, allowing me to deepen my understanding of the market while also refining my organizational and communication skills. I also work as a Recruiter & HR Administrative Assistant at Smarter HR Solutions, LLC, where I assist with recruitment, employee relations, and administrative tasks. This role has further refined my ability to manage multiple tasks and foster strong relationships while enhancing my skill set in the human resources field.

In addition to my work as a Real Estate Agent Intern, Recruiter, and Human Resources Assistant, I am incredibly proud of founding and leading the Real Estate Society of Texas Southern University, where I serve as President. This organization has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my academic journey. During my time at TSU, I recognized a gap in access to real estate opportunities and educational resources for students interested in this field. While the university offers a wealth of knowledge in various areas, I saw an opportunity to create a platform that would bridge this gap and provide students with more access to real-world real estate experiences and education. I took the initiative to address this need by founding the Real Estate Society of Texas Southern University, which now serves as a vital resource for students looking to explore careers in real estate. This organization allows me to inspire my peers and provide them with the tools, resources, and network they need to pursue their passion for real estate. As the leader of the organization, I have worked to foster an environment of collaboration, personal growth, and professional development which are values I believe are essential for the next generation of leaders in the real estate field. Watching my peers develop their skills, connect with industry professionals, and take concrete steps toward their careers has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Through this initiative, I have been able to offer my peers an outlet to grow in the real estate sector and empower them with the confidence to pursue their professional dreams.

Looking ahead, I am excited for the future and all the opportunities that lie ahead. I have already obtained my Associate of Arts (AA) degree and am on track to graduate with my Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. After completing my second undergraduate degree, I will attend Business School to pursue my Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and Law School to pursue my Juris Doctor (JD) law degree, with the goal of becoming an attorney before the age of 24. Whether it is through expanding my business ventures, advancing my education, or contributing to the development of a global law firm, I am determined to continue growing, learning, and achieving my goals. I am deeply committed to creating a legacy of excellence, integrity, and empowerment, and I am excited to share my journey with others as I continue to make an impact in the business and legal fields.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a young woman and a woman of color are resilience, adaptability, and leadership. These qualities have not only shaped my success but also helped me navigate the unique challenges that come with being a young woman of color in today’s professional and academic world.

Resilience: As a young woman of color, resilience has been essential in overcoming societal and personal challenges. I have faced situations where I had to prove myself, whether in the classroom, as a leader, or in the workforce. Resilience has given me the strength to keep going, even when things feel overwhelming. It is about staying grounded and pushing forward with determination, no matter the setbacks.
Adaptability: Alongside resilience, adaptability has been key to my growth. The ability to adjust to new environments, embrace change, and navigate unexpected challenges has shaped how I approach my personal and professional life. Whether moving to a new city to pursue my dreams or adapting to the fast-paced real estate industry, adaptability has empowered me to remain flexible and continue progressing, no matter the obstacles.
Leadership: For women of color, leadership is not just about titles. It is about representation, impact, and empowering others. I have learned that being a leader means advocating for myself and others, lifting those around me, and creating spaces where everyone’s voice is heard. Whether founding the Real Estate Society of Texas Southern University or leading my entrepreneurial ventures, I have learned that leadership is about serving others and creating opportunities.
Advice: To young women, especially women of color, I would say that the road may not always be easy, but every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Lean into your inner strength and trust that your voice matters. Surround yourself with mentors who understand your journey, and do not be afraid to take risks, because sometimes those risks open doors you never imagined. Leadership can start anywhere, so do not wait for the “perfect” opportunity. Take initiative in your community, school, or workplace. As women of color, our leadership is vital not only for our growth but also for the growth of the generations coming after us. Lead with confidence, and know that your experiences and perspectives make you uniquely qualified to inspire change. As a young woman navigating different professional spaces, adaptability has been crucial. The world is constantly changing, and I have had to adapt quickly, whether balancing multiple roles, pivoting my career plans, or learning new skills to stay relevant. This is even more important for a woman of color, where opportunities may not always be as easily accessible. Adaptability allows me to stay ahead and make the most of every opportunity. Embrace change and seek out opportunities to grow, even when it feels uncomfortable. For young women of color, adaptability also means navigating cultural and professional expectations. Learn how to turn challenges into learning experiences and never be afraid to ask for help when needed. Being adaptable allows you to expand your horizons and make a lasting impact wherever you go.

The world is evolving, and your voice, perspective, and leadership are more important than ever. Stay confident in your abilities, and remember that your experiences, both the struggles and successes, shape your power. Keep pushing forward, and know that your path—though sometimes challenging—is one of incredible potential and impact.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was constantly pushing me to be the best version of myself and to never settle for less than my potential. They instilled in me a deep sense of purpose, resilience, and an unyielding drive to achieve greatness. Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of education, hard work, and integrity. They taught me that success was not just about what you achieved, but about the character and determination you carried with you throughout the journey.

My family was always there to support me, whether it was offering guidance, cheering me on, or challenging me to push past my limits. Their belief in me gave me the confidence to dream big, pursue my passions, and face any obstacles head-on. They did not just encourage me to do well—they encouraged me to always strive to do better, to never stop growing, and to continuously challenge myself to reach new heights. Without their support and unwavering belief in me, I would not be the person I am today. Their influence has shaped my work ethic, my goals, and my vision for the future. It is because of them that I have learned the importance of perseverance, the power of determination, and the value of believing in myself, even when things seem tough. My family’s dedication to pushing me to be the best is something I carry with me every day, and it motivates me to give my all in everything I do. I owe so much of my success and growth to their love, support, and the lessons they taught me.

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