Meet Haseena Shaheed-Jackson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Haseena Shaheed-Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Haseena, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

My purpose emerged from navigating significant challenges and adversity throughout my life. I spent years in environments where I was expected to diminish myself to fit in, allowing others to define my worth and potential rather than believing in who I could become. These experiences, though difficult, became the foundation for understanding how external voices can silence our authentic selves and limit our growth.

Through this journey, I discovered my calling as a thinking partner who helps individuals define their true identity and core beliefs, then transform those beliefs into purposeful action. My work centers on helping people walk in their authority and confidence while creating supportive circles of belonging around them. Having experienced the pain of self-diminishment, I’m passionate about empowering others to embrace their full potential and become who they’re meant to be. My purpose is rooted in ensuring others don’t have to navigate that journey alone.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Through my business Faith, Hope and Spirit LLC, I help others see beyond physical sight to see more with the spirit using hope and faith. Drawing from 30 years of leadership and management experience, I’ve developed the skill of helping people make the invisible visible and turn their dreams into real-world possibilities. I offer training, coaching, and speaking in growth, development, communication, and leadership. What excites me most about this work is witnessing the transformation when someone finally sees their own potential and steps into their authentic power—it’s like watching someone discover they’ve had wings all along.

I’m also the founder and Executive Director of Ava’s Pathways, a nonprofit organization for women supporting women through life’s challenges and adversities, taking one pathway at a time. As a lifelong learner with an MBA and Master’s in Human Services Counseling: Life Coach, plus my role as Division Director in Toastmasters International with the Distinguished Toastmaster designation, I bring both academic knowledge and real-world experience to my work. I’ve published three books—Created to Soar, Messages from the Spirit, and Reflections from Within—with my fourth book, Journey to Sight, releasing October 7, 2025. Looking ahead, we have exciting initiatives including Ava’s Pathways 2025 Gala on November 7, 2025, along with new sponsorship programs designed to support both women in need of financial assistance and the sponsors who make our mission possible.

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, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey. First is resilience—the ability to transform adversity into purpose rather than allowing it to define me negatively. Those challenging environments where I was expected to diminish myself could have broken me, but instead they became the foundation for understanding how to help others overcome similar struggles. Second is authentic self-awareness—learning to see myself through my own eyes rather than accepting others’ limited definitions of who I could be. This shift from external validation to internal knowing became crucial for walking in authority and confidence. Third is the ability to see potential in others—what I call helping people make the invisible visible. This gift of spiritual sight allows me to partner with individuals as they discover their true identity and transform beliefs into action.

For those early in their journey, I recommend starting with deep self-reflection—spend time understanding who you are beyond what others expect you to be. Develop resilience by reframing your challenges as preparation for your purpose rather than obstacles to overcome. Practice seeing setbacks as setups for transformation. Finally, cultivate the skill of active listening and observation—this helps you forge deep relationships that are authentic and supportive, which are essential for both your growth and your ability to serve others meaningfully. Remember, your greatest strengths often emerge from your greatest struggles, so don’t waste your adversities instead view them as opportunities. Most importantly, surround yourself with people who see your potential and create that circle of belonging that supports your growth.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Absolutely! I’m always seeking meaningful partnerships with individuals and organizations who share my passion for empowering others to see beyond their current circumstances and step into their full potential. I’m particularly interested in collaborating with fellow coaches, speakers, and authors who understand the transformative power of authentic relationships and want to amplify our collective impact. I also welcome partnerships with corporate leaders and organizations committed to investing in their people’s growth and development, especially those who value communication, leadership development, and creating environments where everyone can thrive.

For Ava’s Pathways, I’m looking for sponsors and community partners who believe in supporting women through life’s challenges and want to be part of our mission to help women navigate their pathways with hope and faith. Whether you’re interested in speaking at our upcoming gala on November 7, 2025, supporting our financial assistance programs, or simply sharing resources and expertise, there’s room at the table. I’m also excited to connect with media partners, podcast hosts, and event organizers who want to share stories of transformation and resilience. If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me through Faith, Hope and Spirit LLC or Ava’s Pathways—let’s explore how we can create something meaningful together that serves others and builds that supportive circle of belonging we all need.

Contact Info:

• Website: hsjackson@avaspathways.org; hsjackson.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haseenashaheed/; https://www.instagram.com/avaspathways/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haseena.jackson.58/; https://www.facebook.com/AvasPathways/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haseena-shaheed-jackson-273b9325; https://www.linkedin.com/company/avas-pathways/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hsjackson_5596