Meet The Honorable Jacquie Baly

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful The Honorable Jacquie Baly. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with The Honorable Jacquie below.

Hi The Honorable Jacquie, 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?
Navigating life as a Black Caribbean Immigrant comes with unique experiences that have shaped my ability to persevere and thrive. My journey has been enriched by the strength and determination I’ve found within myself and my family. My resilience is deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of my Caribbean culture and heritage. My family is from St. Martin/Maarten, a unique island because it is half French and half Dutch. The traditions, values, and strong sense of community I carry with me have provided a strong foundation. My cultural background has instilled in me the importance of family, solidarity, and perseverance, which have been crucial in overcoming obstacles.

Being an immigrant who came to the United States at 7 required me to adapt to new environments, cultures, and systems. This adaptability has become a valuable skill, allowing me to navigate unfamiliar territories and overcome the hurdles that often come with immigration. It has also given me the resilience to embrace change and uncertainty. I’ve used every challenge I’ve encountered personally or professionally as an opportunity for personal growth to transform these stepping stones to success. I’ve learned to view setbacks as opportunities for self-improvement and development.

My resilience as a Caribbean is a complex interplay of cultural heritage, family support, adaptability, community, personal growth, and inspiration from those who have come before me. While the challenges I face may be unique to my immigrant experience, the strength, and resilience I find within myself and my community are universal qualities that drive me to continue striving for a better future.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Jacquie Baly, the President of BalyProjects, has been a prominent figure in the Texas business and policy circles for many years. She embarked on her career as a city and regional planner and later held the position of Vice President at the Greater Houston Partnership. Following that, she served as Governor Rick Perry’s appointee on water and wastewater matters and held the role of Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Sugar Land. Twenty-three years ago, Jacquie established BalyProjects, a company dedicated to offering clients public affairs and media relations services. Furthermore, she guides Governor Greg Abbott on Higher Education initiatives. She serves as the Vice Chair and appointee of the Harris County Commissioners Court on the Harris County Women’s Commission, focusing on economic development and business opportunities for women. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Jacquie was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in Early 2023.

Jacquie has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the Top Ten Business Owners in the Country by the National Association of Women Business Owners, recognized as one of the Most Influential Blacks by CORE media and USA Today, honored as a Role Model by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, awarded the title of Philanthropist of the Year by St. Jude’s Children Hospital, distinguished as Woman of Distinction by Crohn’s and Colitis, and acknowledged as Woman of Excellence by the Federation of Business and Professional Women. She has also received the “Rising Star” and Black Alumnus of the Year awards from the University of Houston Alumni Association.

Originally hailing from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Jacquie holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration. Currently, she is pursuing her Doctorate at the University of Southern California. Additionally, she has taught public policy at the University of Houston for over 16 years and served as a Faculty-In-Residence at the University of Texas in Austin.

Jacquie takes pride in being the mother of two remarkable young men. Her eldest son, Raphael, graduated from Trinity University with a double major in business and marketing and is pursuing an MBA at Boston College. Her younger son, Alexandre, recently graduated from Harvard University with High Honors in Neuroscience and achieved a Spanish language certification. He is presently on the pre-med track. Recently, Jacquie married business executive James Craig, and they make their home in Houston, Texas.

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?
Reflecting on my journey, qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out as having significantly impacted my path to success. These qualities have helped me achieve my goals and enriched my personal growth and fulfillment.

Continuous Learning: The world constantly evolves, and staying relevant and competitive requires constant learning. Whether it’s acquiring new skills, staying updated on industry trends, or expanding your knowledge base, pursuing education is invaluable. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate at the University of Southern California, and my advice for those starting their journey is to prioritize self-education, seek out mentors and role models, and develop a habit of curiosity. Embrace challenges that push you out of your comfort zone, as they often provide the most profound learning experiences.

Effective Communication: Effective communication skills are essential in almost every aspect of life. Whether you’re networking, collaborating with others, or sharing your ideas, the ability to convey your thoughts clearly and persuasively can make a significant difference. To improve communication skills, practice active listening, seek feedback, and work on verbal and written communication. Remember to consider the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence in understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

Adaptability and Flexibility: The world is dynamic, and your journey may take unexpected turns. I am very flexible, open to change, and willing to pivot when necessary, both personally and professionally.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
“Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg:

Valuable insight: This book encourages women to lean into their careers and take on leadership roles with confidence. One key nugget of wisdom is the importance of self-advocacy and not holding back in pursuing opportunities.

Lean In: The title is a call to action for women to lean into their careers, meaning to be assertive and proactive in pursuing their professional ambitions. Sandberg encourages women to take risks, voice their opinions, and not hold back out of fear of failure or self-doubt. Sandberg emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, which means advocating for yourself, your skills, and your career aspirations. Women are encouraged to negotiate for promotions and raises, express their ambitions openly, and actively seek growth opportunities. Sandberg addresses the imposter syndrome many women experience, where they doubt their abilities and feel like they don’t belong in high-level positions. She provides strategies for overcoming these feelings and building self-confidence.

Sandberg challenges stereotypes and biases that hold women back in the workplace. She discusses how women are often judged differently from men regarding leadership qualities and offers advice on navigating these biases. Ultimately, the book encourages women to aspire to leadership positions and not be discouraged by the gender gap. Sandberg believes that by leaning in and actively pursuing leadership, women can help close this gap.

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