Meet Jesula Saintus, MPA

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jesula Saintus, MPA. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jesula, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

When people ask me where my resilience comes from, I smile — because it’s not something I picked up overnight. It’s been shaped by my journey, my culture, my faith, and the women who came before me.

I get my resilience from my roots — from a little Haitian girl who immigrated to the United States with her family and learned early on what it meant to start over. Life wasn’t always kind, but my mother’s strength and my faith in God taught me how to bend without breaking. I’ve faced loss, rejection, and seasons where it felt like everything was working against me — yet somehow, I always found a reason to keep going.

Resilience, for me, looks like standing firm in the face of uncertainty and choosing to build something beautiful from the broken pieces. It’s finding peace in the storm, showing up when no one’s watching, and believing that even my pain has purpose.

Today, that same resilience fuels the work I do with youth and families in my community. I see a reflection of my younger self in many of them — searching for hope, belonging, and a reason to believe. My story reminds me that no matter where we start, we can rise. And because of that, I pour that same strength, faith, and fire into everything I do.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Jesula Saintus—a passionate leader, mother, and visionary dedicated to empowering youth, families, and communities to rise above systemic barriers and realize their full potential. I am the founder and CEO of NexStepz Inc., a transformative organization based in Binghamton, NY, that provides holistic support, mentorship, and empowerment programs for at-risk and underserved youth. Our work focuses on education, leadership, wellness, entrepreneurship, and community healing—guiding young people and families not just to survive, but to thrive.

What makes NexStepz special is its foundation in lived experience. As someone who once walked similar paths as the youth I now serve, I’ve built a safe, empowering space where they can feel seen, heard, and valued. We bring innovation, creativity, and collaboration together to inspire real, sustainable change. Our programming spans after-school initiatives, youth leadership series, and community events such as Partners in Peace and Crown Never Slips, our annual youth fashion and empowerment showcase.

In addition to leading NexStepz, I serve as program manager for Catholic Charities RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), connecting older adults to meaningful service opportunities that strengthen intergenerational bonds and promote community wellness. I am also an elected member of the Binghamton City School Board and a board member of the Broome County United Way, where I use my voice to advocate for equitable access, youth empowerment, and stronger community partnerships.

What excites me most about my work is the ripple effect—witnessing transformation unfold in young people, families, and neighborhoods. Each project, partnership, and program is rooted in hope, growth, and purpose.

Looking ahead, NexStepz is expanding through a city-wide initiative called RISE UP T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R., designed to address housing insecurity, youth violence, food access, trauma, mental health, and economic empowerment. Our goal is to build a holistic, sustainable ecosystem of support through collaboration among schools, nonprofits, and local businesses.

At the heart of everything I do is a simple truth: transformation begins when people are seen for who they truly are—full of purpose, promise, and power.

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?

Three Most Important Qualities, Skills, and Areas of Knowledge

Looking back, the three qualities that have shaped my journey the most are resilience, empathy, and visionary leadership.

1. Resilience:
My resilience was built through real-life experiences—overcoming hardship, learning to adapt, and choosing faith over fear. Life will test your strength in ways you can’t prepare for, but every challenge has the power to grow you. My advice: when life feels heavy, pause, breathe, and remind yourself that storms don’t last forever. You are still standing for a reason. Build your resilience by reflecting on your “why” and letting it drive you forward.

2. Empathy:
Empathy has been my greatest leadership tool. It allows me to connect deeply with others—especially youth and families—and to serve from a place of understanding, not judgment. If you want to lead, first learn to listen. Put yourself in other people’s shoes. The most impactful change happens when people feel seen, heard, and valued.

3. Visionary Leadership:
Having vision means seeing beyond what is to what can be. I’ve always believed that true leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact. My advice for those starting out: dream boldly, but also stay grounded. Learn how systems work, build relationships, and don’t be afraid to take up space. Lead with intention, purpose, and love—and the right doors will open.

At the end of the day, the most powerful thing you can do is believe in your calling, stay teachable, and keep showing up—even when it’s hard. Every small step adds up to something greater.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

If I knew I only had a decade left to live, I would spend it pouring everything I have into love, legacy, and impact. I would make every moment count—not chasing success, but chasing purpose.

I’d continue building spaces where people feel seen, safe, and inspired—expanding NexStepz, mentoring youth, empowering women, and creating programs that help families heal and communities rise. I’d spend more time traveling with my children, dancing with my partner, laughing with my family, and reconnecting with my roots in Haiti. I would teach my sons the value of faith, humility, and hard work—and remind them that their story matters, too.

Spiritually, I’d keep growing closer to God, aligning every project, every connection, and every word with His purpose for my life. I’d write more—stories, poetry, and reflections—to leave behind a message of hope for those still finding their way.

More than anything, I would live freely and intentionally—giving, teaching, and loving without hesitation. Because even if my time were short, my impact could live on forever through the lives I’ve touched.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nexstepz.org
• Instagram: Jesula | Healing in Motion
• Facebook: Jesula Saintus MPA
• Linkedin: Jesula Saintus, MPA