Cherissa Jackson
By Rodney Wayne Branche
Copa: Where did you grow up?
Cherissa: I am a South Carolina belle and grew up in Avery a small town, Allendale, SC. When I say “small”, I really mean small: one traffic light, one major grocery store, and the highlight of the city was local football. My hometown was once ranked the nation’s lowest ranked school system in the country. My parents instilled in all of us education and spirituality at a very young age to combat this devastating statistic. I am 5 of 6 children. Though they didn’t finish high school, all 6 of us are collegiately educated and successful in our careers.
Cherissa: I am a South Carolina belle and grew up in Avery a small town, Allendale, SC. When I say “small”, I really mean small: one traffic light, one major grocery store, and the highlight of the city was local football. My hometown was once ranked the nation’s lowest ranked school system in the country. My parents instilled in all of us education and spirituality at a very young age to combat this devastating statistic. I am 5 of 6 children. Though they didn’t finish high school, all 6 of us are collegiately educated and successful in our careers.
Copa: What schools have you attended?
Cherissa: After graduating high school at Allendale Fairfax High, I joined the Air Force at 17 years old. I was determined to not have my parents pay for my education and knew the Air Force would be a great avenue to get my degree. I saw my parents struggle financially assisting 3 of my older sisters attend college. I choose not to and was motivated to find other ways to accomplish the same goal. Traveling with the military made it quite challenging to attend college. I found myself enrolling in colleges surrounding my duty stations to complete my prerequisites for Nursing school. After 10 years of traveling, classes here and there, marriage, twin daughters, and 60 prerequisite semester hours completed, I finally got accepted to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. I was the first at my duty station to attempt this task of attending Nursing School during the day while still on active duty working at night for the Air Force.
Cherissa: After graduating high school at Allendale Fairfax High, I joined the Air Force at 17 years old. I was determined to not have my parents pay for my education and knew the Air Force would be a great avenue to get my degree. I saw my parents struggle financially assisting 3 of my older sisters attend college. I choose not to and was motivated to find other ways to accomplish the same goal. Traveling with the military made it quite challenging to attend college. I found myself enrolling in colleges surrounding my duty stations to complete my prerequisites for Nursing school. After 10 years of traveling, classes here and there, marriage, twin daughters, and 60 prerequisite semester hours completed, I finally got accepted to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. I was the first at my duty station to attempt this task of attending Nursing School during the day while still on active duty working at night for the Air Force.
Copa: What were your favorite subjects and why?
Cherissa: My favorite classes were engineering, art and mathematics. Before considering Nursing, I wanted to be an architect. I saw beauty in buildings and linear shapes and was intrigued by dimensions and textures. I sketched a lot growing up as my pastime because being artistic allowed me to forget the disadvantages I faced. It allowed me to dream and imagine my successes. Even now, I write poetry, sketch, and find art in everything that I do including decorating my house, listening to diverse music and engaging in different activities.
Cherissa: My favorite classes were engineering, art and mathematics. Before considering Nursing, I wanted to be an architect. I saw beauty in buildings and linear shapes and was intrigued by dimensions and textures. I sketched a lot growing up as my pastime because being artistic allowed me to forget the disadvantages I faced. It allowed me to dream and imagine my successes. Even now, I write poetry, sketch, and find art in everything that I do including decorating my house, listening to diverse music and engaging in different activities.
Copa: The Air Force, what influenced your decision to join?
Cherissa: As I mentioned earlier, I’m such a giver and I wanted to give my parents the gift of not having to struggle putting me through college. My gift to them was joining the Air Force. It was the best decision I could have ever made. Leaving a small town, the military excited me and afforded me the ability to travel, work, and get paid. That was huge for me. I wanted that independence and I marveled at knowing I could do it without depending on my parents. Though I’m retired now, I am so grateful that I took that path. I’ve met so many brave heroes, nursed many soldiers back to health and mentored the next generation of officers. I believe I’ve left my mark in Air Force history.
Cherissa: As I mentioned earlier, I’m such a giver and I wanted to give my parents the gift of not having to struggle putting me through college. My gift to them was joining the Air Force. It was the best decision I could have ever made. Leaving a small town, the military excited me and afforded me the ability to travel, work, and get paid. That was huge for me. I wanted that independence and I marveled at knowing I could do it without depending on my parents. Though I’m retired now, I am so grateful that I took that path. I’ve met so many brave heroes, nursed many soldiers back to health and mentored the next generation of officers. I believe I’ve left my mark in Air Force history.
Copa: Nursing and Law, how do they come together?
Cherissa: As a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC), it bridges the two careers. I’ve consulted for more than 10 years with health care providers on medical issues and my span of Nursing experience allows me to consult with attorneys. As a CLNC, I am the secret weapon to assist Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Product Liability, Workers Compensation and Toxic Tort attorneys win cases. These specific attorneys are challenged with medical issues in their cases for which I’m an expert. I’m the Johnny Cochran of Nursing that says, “If you gonna Litigate, hire me to Mitigate!” I find the merit in cases to save attorneys time and money. I’m the investigator who will simplify their cases in a timely manner. I have 30 services guaranteed to eliminate countless hours of preparation facilitating a quicker verdict and settlement.
Cherissa: As a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant (CLNC), it bridges the two careers. I’ve consulted for more than 10 years with health care providers on medical issues and my span of Nursing experience allows me to consult with attorneys. As a CLNC, I am the secret weapon to assist Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Product Liability, Workers Compensation and Toxic Tort attorneys win cases. These specific attorneys are challenged with medical issues in their cases for which I’m an expert. I’m the Johnny Cochran of Nursing that says, “If you gonna Litigate, hire me to Mitigate!” I find the merit in cases to save attorneys time and money. I’m the investigator who will simplify their cases in a timely manner. I have 30 services guaranteed to eliminate countless hours of preparation facilitating a quicker verdict and settlement.
Copa: Please share some information about your company.
Cherissa: Gladly, my Company’s name is Jackson & Associates Legal Nurse Consultants, LLC. It just made sense after I retired from the military last year that I launch my company. It had been an image for years that I had dreamt in color. Finally I took the leap of faith and committed to the process and haven’t turned back since. My company is built on the same principles that were instilled in the Air Force: hard work, determination, Service before Self, Integrity in all I do, and preservance. As I single mother of twin daughters, I believe it is my duty to create a legacy for my children. I wanted to send a message to my daughters that nothing is impossible, nothing is beyond reach, and there is no such thing as trying. In order to be successful, you have to put action behind anything you attempt. It’s the DOING that separates the have and have not’s. It’s the DOING that doesn’t allow dreams to be in graveyards because many are afraid to accept the challenge of their destiny and create their reality. Jackson & Associates provide custom service tailored to each attorney or firm. It’s a network of medical and nursing entities that facilitate prompt service to attorneys for quick settlements and customer satisfaction. I offer a money back guarantee. I’m a member of the National Alliance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants allowing me to service clients across the US.
Cherissa: Gladly, my Company’s name is Jackson & Associates Legal Nurse Consultants, LLC. It just made sense after I retired from the military last year that I launch my company. It had been an image for years that I had dreamt in color. Finally I took the leap of faith and committed to the process and haven’t turned back since. My company is built on the same principles that were instilled in the Air Force: hard work, determination, Service before Self, Integrity in all I do, and preservance. As I single mother of twin daughters, I believe it is my duty to create a legacy for my children. I wanted to send a message to my daughters that nothing is impossible, nothing is beyond reach, and there is no such thing as trying. In order to be successful, you have to put action behind anything you attempt. It’s the DOING that separates the have and have not’s. It’s the DOING that doesn’t allow dreams to be in graveyards because many are afraid to accept the challenge of their destiny and create their reality. Jackson & Associates provide custom service tailored to each attorney or firm. It’s a network of medical and nursing entities that facilitate prompt service to attorneys for quick settlements and customer satisfaction. I offer a money back guarantee. I’m a member of the National Alliance of Certified Legal Nurse Consultants allowing me to service clients across the US.
Copa: What is your philosophy to life, learning and dedication?
Cherissa: My philosophy is very simple…..stay true to who you are. We are individuals and God created us that way. I will never have what’s intended for someone else. Staying true to me guarantees I will stay in my divine order to accomplish my dreams and no one else’s. This is a pivotal element because then accepting my essence and walking in diving order will set me up for success. Everything starts here: having a go-getter attitude, exuding self-esteem, being confident, boldness, humbleness, and having a charitable heart. I’m here as a beacon of gratitude and in turn the universe will return my gratitude with abundance and success. Life is to be lived and I really learned that returning from my last deployment, number four that is. My life was in harms way everyday. Not knowing if I was going to return home to my children or see US soil was a daily hope and prayer. Being attack by the enemy several times a day everyday really forces you to align your priorities. Though I was focused and determined before that deployment, I came back even more focused and determined. The next day is not promised so I shield myself from negative people, have zero tolerance for drama, and surround myself with the movers and shakers of this world to encourage me as I have encouraged my peers along the way.
Cherissa: My philosophy is very simple…..stay true to who you are. We are individuals and God created us that way. I will never have what’s intended for someone else. Staying true to me guarantees I will stay in my divine order to accomplish my dreams and no one else’s. This is a pivotal element because then accepting my essence and walking in diving order will set me up for success. Everything starts here: having a go-getter attitude, exuding self-esteem, being confident, boldness, humbleness, and having a charitable heart. I’m here as a beacon of gratitude and in turn the universe will return my gratitude with abundance and success. Life is to be lived and I really learned that returning from my last deployment, number four that is. My life was in harms way everyday. Not knowing if I was going to return home to my children or see US soil was a daily hope and prayer. Being attack by the enemy several times a day everyday really forces you to align your priorities. Though I was focused and determined before that deployment, I came back even more focused and determined. The next day is not promised so I shield myself from negative people, have zero tolerance for drama, and surround myself with the movers and shakers of this world to encourage me as I have encouraged my peers along the way.
Copa: What message do you have to give to young people out there, wanting to get ahead?
Cherissa: This is a great question and truly what I’m all about, sending a message to young adults. Getting ahead means having a direction. You got to know where you want to go in order to get where you want to be in life. Every aspect of living in this world begins here. Without direction, life will pass you by and your purpose won’t be fulfilled. I’ve taught my daughters that you have to tackle getting ahead like it’s your last breath or needing water in a dessert. You have to get in desperation and survival mode. You have to lunge forward with an anticipation that your hard work and determination will pay off. You have to grind until your fingers are nubs and even then, stay positive, focused and motivated. Before my daughters and I conclude our talks on the phone, we always repeat: Stay focused, Stay motivated, Stay true, Stay determined! Young people have to know that you have to stay hungry and that hard work is inevitable. Their plight to become successful is determined by their will to stay engaged and the tenacity to move forward when obstacles come. The fortitude to get back up when you are TKO’dwilldetermineyour fate. If I had stayed down after each of my knock outs: humble beginnings, devastating divorce, single parenthood, countless disappointments, and insecurities, I wouldn’t be here now to impart wisdom and have an impact on everyone that I encounter.
Cherissa: This is a great question and truly what I’m all about, sending a message to young adults. Getting ahead means having a direction. You got to know where you want to go in order to get where you want to be in life. Every aspect of living in this world begins here. Without direction, life will pass you by and your purpose won’t be fulfilled. I’ve taught my daughters that you have to tackle getting ahead like it’s your last breath or needing water in a dessert. You have to get in desperation and survival mode. You have to lunge forward with an anticipation that your hard work and determination will pay off. You have to grind until your fingers are nubs and even then, stay positive, focused and motivated. Before my daughters and I conclude our talks on the phone, we always repeat: Stay focused, Stay motivated, Stay true, Stay determined! Young people have to know that you have to stay hungry and that hard work is inevitable. Their plight to become successful is determined by their will to stay engaged and the tenacity to move forward when obstacles come. The fortitude to get back up when you are TKO’dwilldetermineyour fate. If I had stayed down after each of my knock outs: humble beginnings, devastating divorce, single parenthood, countless disappointments, and insecurities, I wouldn’t be here now to impart wisdom and have an impact on everyone that I encounter.
Copa: How would you describe your personal style in fashion?
Cherissa: My personal style is sophistication. I love the style of the 60’s and 70’s with a hit of Lena Horne or Josephine Baker. I love simple couture, Coco Chanel, Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, etc. Again, it is that artistic element that fascinated me at an early age. However, at home, I want to be comfortable, in large sweats and Ugg slippers. I will admit that I love a great hand bag and a “Bad” shoe. I favor Bottega Veneta and Brahmin bags. The leather is like butter and they are great, luxurious bags. Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo shoes are my favorites. I don’t have a huge collection but the ones I have, I protect them with my life!
Cherissa: My personal style is sophistication. I love the style of the 60’s and 70’s with a hit of Lena Horne or Josephine Baker. I love simple couture, Coco Chanel, Donna Karan, Giorgio Armani, etc. Again, it is that artistic element that fascinated me at an early age. However, at home, I want to be comfortable, in large sweats and Ugg slippers. I will admit that I love a great hand bag and a “Bad” shoe. I favor Bottega Veneta and Brahmin bags. The leather is like butter and they are great, luxurious bags. Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo shoes are my favorites. I don’t have a huge collection but the ones I have, I protect them with my life!
Copa: What does the future hold for Cherissa Jackson?
Cherissa: This is a great Final question. I was asked this question when I retired---what is one word that would describe you and your next conquest in life? I said that word would be “UNSTOPPABLE”. The future for Jackson & Associate is “unstoppable”. I’m in overdrive and beast mode. My success is a marathon not a sprint, and if I pace myself constructively, I will enjoy each mile and make the necessary changes as obstacles come. It’s my time. After 23 years on active duty, I can fly freely. I’m doing the necessary work to accomplish my goals. My branding will include my passions: the plight of women veterans, young women’s self-esteem issues, empowerment, and mentoring. The future for Cherissa is unlimited. I would love to partner with non-profit organizations in the DMV that speaks to my passions mentioned above. I am a member of the Women In Military Service for America Memorial Foundation and I would like to educate the world about the limitations our service members have who are suffering from PTSD. I’ve provided medical assistance to many service members with this diagnosis and it’s debilitating. I can and will be their voice if necessary. I was once told by a troop that “Ma’am, you are a little woman, but you have a big Bite”. I chuckled but I embraced that perception. The “Bite” he was speaking of is my “passion”. Passion plus drive divided by motivation will equal success. So back to your original question: What does the future hold for Cherissa Jackson? All I can is….My future is so bright; I need to wear Chanel shades!
~Copa
Cherissa: This is a great Final question. I was asked this question when I retired---what is one word that would describe you and your next conquest in life? I said that word would be “UNSTOPPABLE”. The future for Jackson & Associate is “unstoppable”. I’m in overdrive and beast mode. My success is a marathon not a sprint, and if I pace myself constructively, I will enjoy each mile and make the necessary changes as obstacles come. It’s my time. After 23 years on active duty, I can fly freely. I’m doing the necessary work to accomplish my goals. My branding will include my passions: the plight of women veterans, young women’s self-esteem issues, empowerment, and mentoring. The future for Cherissa is unlimited. I would love to partner with non-profit organizations in the DMV that speaks to my passions mentioned above. I am a member of the Women In Military Service for America Memorial Foundation and I would like to educate the world about the limitations our service members have who are suffering from PTSD. I’ve provided medical assistance to many service members with this diagnosis and it’s debilitating. I can and will be their voice if necessary. I was once told by a troop that “Ma’am, you are a little woman, but you have a big Bite”. I chuckled but I embraced that perception. The “Bite” he was speaking of is my “passion”. Passion plus drive divided by motivation will equal success. So back to your original question: What does the future hold for Cherissa Jackson? All I can is….My future is so bright; I need to wear Chanel shades!
~Copa