Meet Sesha Jackson-Woodard of Dropping Seeds in Motion

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sesha Jackson-Woodard

Hi Sesha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Philadelphia, PA, enrolled at North Carolina A&T State University for college and after graduation, started my first full-time job working as a Biologist. It was different transitioning from matriculating on campus to waking up 5 days a week to go to a job for 8 hours a day. I think I transitioned pretty well, after a few weeks. I was in fact excited to officially start my career, grow and learn.

After a couple years, I transition to work within various companies that supported preclinical research and development. I always loved the sciences. My mother was a dynamic leader within her medical field. She served as an internal medical doctor and I grew up attending the medical meetings. As a young girl my mother would bring me and my sister along as well. I grew up around many black physicians that had a passion and purpose to close health disparities and educate the black community. My dad worked in the mental health field and was an herbalist. My parents also had their own business where they worked together to see patients.

I share this because this shaped who I am, my passions and who I feel I am purposed to serve. As an African American female Scientist, I am purposed to prepare the next generation to step out confidently within their industry of choice. I leverage my 20+ years of experience and provide real world strategies and a proven framework that helps support their success.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I had a strong foundation growing up- parental support, advocacy, guidance and love. This does not mean one can avoid what life may bring. Life has presented challenges which strengthened my faith. I remember being on maternity leave and receiving a call that my position was eliminated. The company I was working for at the time was reorganizing and it was therefore one of those business decisions and not related to my specific work contributions. There I was, as a new mom, enjoying the time with my 1st born and the call comes through. The truth is, I was intentional about looking on the bright side, despite hearing this news. I thought to myself. “I now have more time to spend with my daughter.” Through layoffs, job shifts and even deaths in my family, I was determined to stay focused, remain faithful and carry out my purpose. A part of my purpose is to encourage others. My devotional book: “From Heaven Through Nature: Holy Spirit Downloads for Divine Instruction and Encouragement” shares divine revelation from God, as we connect in with nature. My new book, Seeds of Germination is releasing soon, so stay connected. If you aspire to pursue a career in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math), this anthology is a must read! It highlights real life challenges, triumphs and successes of dynamic women in these industries.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
While formally trained in the biological sciences, I boldly ‘show up’ as my full self to the world- as a Scientist, Author, Entrepreneur and Licensed Dance Minister. I am the owner and founder of Dropping Seeds in Motion which offers engaging opportunities for youth of all ages in afterschool programs, summer camps etc. These workshops engage students in learning science using movement and dance. I have acquired over 30 years of dance training, which I leverage as part of integrating the arts. It is a great approach to engaging youth, exposing them to careers in science and their interrelated disciplines such as technology, engineering and math (STEM). I have worked with several organizations including, PBS Kids, 4H, Fayetteville State University, and various school districts. I also enjoy presenting at various conferences and training teachers to integrate dance and movement in their very own science lessons.

I am always looking to meet a pressing need and bring solutions to problems. I have noticed recent articles that company’s are opting not to hire recent college graduates, indicating they are not ready for the workforce. Some of the complaints indicate that they lack professionalism, real-world experience and soft skills needed to succeed. With my 20+ years of experience working in the pharmaceutical industry, I purpose to prepare the next generation of STEAM professionals with strategies and tools to step out confidently into their careers after graduation. Through speaking and providing engaging workshop experiences for college and university students, I am on a mission to change this narrative. I have developed a framework that students can implement in addition to actionable strategies and an approach that can in fact be implemented immediately. For more information, send me an email [email protected]

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I would call myself an embracer of change. I thrive on opportunities to create a positive impact. Most of my endeavors are opportunities to serve. They are directly related to meeting a need or solving a problem. I believe when I focus on providing solutions to problems, the word ‘risk’ may not seem as intimidating. I focus on the people I am purposed to serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DroppingSeedsinMotion.com
• Instagram: @DSIMotion
• Facebook: @Dropping Seeds in Motion
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sesha-woodard-mpa-rqap-glp-5a340710?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app