International Association of Women Recognizes Jovan Brown as a 2019-2020 Influencer

Jovan Brown, Creator and Owner of Jo and Her Pen, joins networking organization

​​The International Association of Women (IAW) recognizes Jovan Brown as a 2019-2020 Influencer. She is acknowledged as a leader in entrepreneurship. The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online networking platform with more than 100 local chapters, international chapters in several cities in China and 1000+ in-person and virtual events.

“I’m pleased to welcome Jovan into this exceptional group of professional women,” said IPDN President and IAW Spokesperson Star Jones. “Her knowledge and experience in her industry are valuable assets to her company and community.”

As a child, Jovan Brown never minded playing and creating by herself. She always enjoyed writing, but it was in high school that she was inspired to use her voice as a writer when her class was reading the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird.  

“In one chapter of the text, a character used a quite derogatory term to reference a person of color,” Ms. Brown, who at that time was the only student of color in the room, recalled. “The student reading the excerpt became blush red and paralyzed by the words that screamed from the page.” The student was encouraged by the teacher to read through the discomfort. It was then Ms. Brown came to a decision. “I too wanted my voice to own that type of power and have that type of impact on others,” she said. “I knew that writing was the avenue, and I was willing to travel its road.”

Ms. Brown has been writing consistently for the past 15 years. While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at Hampton University, she received the Potential Nobel Prize Award for Literature. (She went on to earn a Master’s degree and is a Certified Educator.) A year ago, she founded Jo and Her Pen, where she provides writing, proofreading and editing services. In addition to her freelance work, Ms. Brown works full time as an Educator.

As a Dean of Culture in a school in New York, Ms. Brown’s key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, influencing authentic relationships between students, staff and their families, managing and documenting the day-to-day disciplinary actions, and planning and participating in the execution of in-class and school-wide initiatives that promote the diversity and cultural significance of its diverse student body.

“I have gifts of administration and encouragement that allow me to help problem solve and bring resolution and healing to spaces that lack light and clarity,” Ms. Brown said. “I am also skilled at providing descriptive details, most of which threads my writing.”

“The most challenging aspect of my career is accepting non-closure in certain circumstances or not having a quick solution for a concern,” she added. “I find joy in seeing others at peace and feeling affirmed. When this does not happen as quickly as I’d like it to, I find it to be challenging to sift through.”

Ms. Brown’s future goals include publishing a series of children’s books that celebrate diversity and promote cultural awareness and beauty in differences. “In this endeavor, I aim to be awarded the Nobel Prize Award for Literature and serve as a cultural ambassador, spokesperson or liaison for a network of schools, while being a loving wife and mother,” Ms. Brown said. “I also plan to upstart a scholarship fund for liberal arts scholars and children of color attending historically Black colleges and universities.”

Education & Accomplishments: Master of Arts, Temple University, African American Studies, with a specific focus in Cultural Aesthetics; Bachelor of Arts, Hampton University, English Arts, Recipient of the Potential Nobel Prize Award for Literature; Certified Educator for Grades K-6 in Pennsylvania; completed some doctoral coursework at Saint Joseph’s University


About IAW
The International Association of Women (IAW) is a global in-person and online professional networking platform that provides women the forum, professional development and services needed to thrive in an interconnected world. Through 100+ local chapters, international chapters in several cities in China and 1000+ in-person and virtual events, members cultivate valuable connections, develop professionally, and promote themselves and their businesses. Founded in Chicago in 2017, IAW is a division of Professional Diversity Network, Inc., an online network tailored to provide diverse professionals in the United States with access to employment opportunities.

Source: International Association of Professional Women

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