We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Jayco McCowan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Jayco, what do you attribute your success to?
Success is what you make it! I had a friend tell me she sees all her friends on social media moving forward with new jobs, promotions, marriage, families etc. but nothing was happening for her. She felt like life was passing her by, even though she was working hard to be successful and achieve the things her friends had in life. I told her to applaud her friends, be happy for them, understand that is “their life”…not hers, and let the positive vibes motivate her to write her own life’s success narrative. I also reminded her that not everything posted is reality; increasing searches, reads, and actions that pour into where she sees her future self is a must. Success is different for everyone and the most important factor that drive my success is knowing that God is in control. I also stand by the doctrine that I am my own competition and the master of my fate. My mom always says, ‘keep your eyes on the prize.’ Now, whatever that prize or success looks like to you…make sure you stay laser focus to where you have no time to concentrate on anything that will take you off your success journey.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

And I Stand (AIS) Nonprofit started in 2020 during the pandemic when the need for virtual educational efforts increased tremendously. AIS focuses on three crucial causes that have a negative impact on mental health in the black community and other communities of color. As a nonprofit, AIS focuses on providing educational efforts, advocacy, and resources aligned to sexual assault/rape, domestic violence, and alcohol/substance abuse that can affect one’s mental state. As a “one stop shop” nonprofit for all the critical areas of focus listed above, we have a wider opportunity to reach someone in need that has dealt with those disturbing situations.

Starting a nonprofit posed some challenges because there were many moving parts to developing and sustaining And I Stand’s future. It’s no secret that one of the huge challenges with nonprofits is a lack of consistent volunteerism. Specifically speaking, when you know the risks of not having consistent volunteers as a nonprofit leader, you must be creative and strategic with ensuring resources are obtained to overcome challenges. In understanding the need for increased volunteers to aid in the operations, collaborations and partnerships were vital to our success because as a small new nonprofit, it was important for the board and myself to solidify our purpose in the community. In addition, working with other entities assisted with providing various resources and volunteers to help us expand our reach. We have collaborated with national organizations, institutions, and governmental sectors in reaching our target audience who are not just victims, but family/friends that may know someone experiencing the causes we advocate for in the community. In addition, we believe deeply rooted organizations like those of the Divine Nine provide many opportunities to help the community. We make it a point to stay open to partner with Divine Nine members and organizations.

As a nonprofit leader or even a business owner, you should anticipate there will be challenges. However, you must make it a point to remind yourself of the “WHY” and purpose you developed when starting your journey. Remember to keep the fire going; your light may dem through the growing pains but never let the fire (i.e. passion) fade away.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

There are so many places to visit in Houston! As a Houstonian, I am still finding many gems in Houston and the surrounding areas. If I had friends and/or family come visit from out of town some of my favorite places to go eat and/or hang out at in no particular order are, The Sunrise House, The Flamming Fish, The Warick, Brenner’s on the Bayou, Mastro’s Steakhouse, The Breakfast Klub, B’s Wine Bar, Lucille’s, Thai Cottage, Chopnblok, Spindletop, Pluckers, State Fare Kitchen, Hearsay, Wantaburger, Tiny Boxwoods, Sotos Cantina, Bloom & Bee, Eddie V’s, Jupiter Pizza, Press Waffle Co. and of course Pappadeauxs! I have a pretty diverse palate so depending on the vibe and timing I am flexible for some good eats.

Some places I would take them to visit is, Post Houston, Discovery Green, Woodlands Waterway, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, The Space Center, Emancipation Park, Pinstripes, Highland Park, City Centre, the Waterwall, Galleria, Downtown Tunnel, River Oaks District, Trellis Spa Houstonian Hotel, Roof Top Cinema, Top Golf, Palace Social, and Kemah Boardwalk to name a few. No matter where we go, memorable fun, laughes, and positive vibes will follow.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
#God1st There are so many people I can recognize, but when I think of a collective group of people, without a question, I want to highlight my FINER Sorors from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, the OUTSTANDING Omicron Gamma Zeta Chapter, for being one of my biggest supporters! There is a saying we have that, “when Zeta calls, we’ll answer one and all”… my sorority sisters have been there to support me in my efforts, lifted me up during life’s ups/downs, stood with me in advocacy by being a voice to the community we serve, and challenged me to be a resilient FINER Woman of Purpose. My sorors are the sisters I never had as an only child, and I love them to the moon and back. As I reflect on the fact that our Founders’ Day is January 16, 1920, our Five Pearls magnified the principals of Scholarship, Service, Sisterhood, and Finer Womanhood…and it’s such a blessing to carry the torch! We have come so far as a sisterhood to break barriers, stereotypes, and make history as the first of many accomplishments. I applaud all the FINER Women in my chapter and beyond! Zzzzz-Phiiiii! Sooooo Sweeeeet!

Website: Nonprofit- www.andistand.org,  Chapter Website: https://www.zphibogz.org/

Instagram: @andistand.org

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaycomccowan/

Other: Book- Unmasking the Truth Behind: “I’m Good”- https://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-Truth-Behind-Im-Good-ebook/dp/B08RN6W9YV

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.