Jillian Highsmith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jillian, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
As the Founder & President of The WNP Community & Education Development Foundation, one of the things I’m most proud of building, that often goes unseen, is the depth of community partnerships we’ve established. From working within schools such as Turning Point Academy with Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System, to collaborating with Level III group homes like Nurturing Nest Residential Home, LLC, and receiving numerous referrals from dedicated social workers with the Department of Social Services, these relationships have been instrumental in expanding our reach and impact with providing their girls with both one-on-one and group mentoring services, supported by individualized Compass Plans designed to meet each girl’s specific needs in areas such as leadership, self-love, substance abuse prevention, communication skills, peer pressure, and more.
This year, because of the generosity of so many individuals who donated to our organization, I was able to award a scholarship to a graduating senior headed to college, a milestone that truly reflects the power of community support. We also had the honor of presenting the Legacy of Excellence Award to Ms. Bonie J. Terrell for her incredible contribution of over $15,000 to our organization.
Through this journey, I’ve grown not only as a business owner but as a person. I’ve been able to grow my team, develop trusted partnerships with my peers, and strengthen the foundation of our mission. The most rewarding part has been witnessing the transformation in the girls we serve, from being accepted into their dream colleges, enrolling in cosmetology school, improving their behaviors, to securing internships and landing their very first summer jobs.
These victories may not always make headlines, but they are the quiet, powerful moments that remind me why we do this work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jillian Highsmith, and I’m the Founder & President of The WNP Community & Education Development Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to mentoring girls ages 12–21 in leadership, self-esteem, educational growth, and community involvement. Our program is unique because we don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” approach, each girl receives a personalized Compass Plan tailored to her specific needs, whether that’s building self-love, strengthening communication skills, addressing peer pressure, developing leadership abilities, or overcoming challenges such as substance abuse.
My story is rooted in resilience. I was once told college wasn’t for me, but I went on to graduate magna cum laude, and currently pursuing my Master of Social Work degree at Winthrop University with a 3.3 GPA and dedicate my life to empowering youth. Today, I’m not just running a nonprofit, I’m creating spaces where young women see themselves as leaders, visionaries, and changemakers. We’re currently expanding our programs, building stronger networks, and ensuring every girl we serve knows her voice and future matters.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I am choosing to release the wounds from rejection, betrayal, and failure, along with the habit of people-pleasing, because they have served their purpose and no longer serve my future. These experiences and patterns once shaped how I navigated relationships and protected myself from further hurt, but holding on to them has only kept me tied to past pain and limited my growth. By letting them go, I am making space for self-love, healthy boundaries, and authentic connections that align with who I am becoming. I honor the lessons they brought me, but I refuse to let them dictate the direction of my life any longer.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. Funding challenges made it difficult to keep the program moving forward, and the weight of financial uncertainty was discouraging. However, instead of walking away, I took a strategic approach to ensure the program stayed aligned with its mission. I organized fundraisers to bring in necessary resources, reached out to the community to gain volunteer support, and explored creative partnerships that could sustain our work. These efforts not only kept the program alive but also strengthened its foundation, proving that perseverance and strategic planning can turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I don’t put on a front, I’m human, imperfect, and still face my own battles, but I embrace them as part of my journey. My passion for serving others is genuine, and I work tirelessly to support other community leaders, uplift those around me, and create spaces where women can unite, collaborate, and grow together. What you see is a reflection of my true heart, committed to impact, driven by purpose, and grounded in authenticity.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I could give everything my best, even if no one ever praised me for it, because I’m living for something bigger than myself. My work is rooted in purpose, not applause, and every effort I make is a seed planted for change, even if no one sees it grow. The fulfillment comes from knowing that what I do touches lives, builds hope, and leaves a legacy far beyond my name.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewhatsnextproject.org/
- Instagram: thewhatsnextproject_
Image Credits
Alissa Mauter is the photographer for my headshot photo
