We had the good fortune of connecting with The Honorable Jacquie Baly and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi The Honorable Jacquie, what principle do you value most?
Integrity is the cornerstone of everything Jacquie does. In her multifaceted roles as a public affairs consultant, professor, philanthropist, mother, wife, and public official, she places unparalleled value on being truthful and principled. This commitment shapes her interactions, decisions, and actions in every aspect of her life. For Jacquie, staying aligned with her core values isn’t just important—it’s essential for making a significant, lasting impact. Whether she’s advocating for clients, teaching the next generation of leaders, or spearheading charitable initiatives, her dedication to integrity serves as her compass. It enables her to approach complex challenges with a clear purpose, maintaining a consistent dedication to serving others effectively. Jacquie’s unwavering commitment to integrity does more than build trust and respect in her various relationships; it also inspires others to embrace honesty and authenticity in their own pursuits.
What should our readers know about your business?
BalyProjects, which Jacquie Baly founded, is a consulting practice specializing in public policy and public affairs. Jacquie assists corporations, governmental entities, and nonprofits navigate the complex world of politics and regulation. Her deep understanding of public policy intersects with business and community needs and sets her practice apart. Jacquie is committed to making a real, positive impact on her clients and the communities they serve.
Jacquie is particularly proud of the trust and long-standing relationships that BalyProjects has built. The firm has played a vital role in helping clients achieve significant goals, whether securing government contracts, shaping policy decisions, or advancing their missions. Seeing the tangible effects of her work has been advantageous and is what drives her at BalyProjects.
The journey to building BalyProjects hasn’t been without its challenges. As a single mother, Jacquie had to balance the demands of raising her two sons with the pressures of building a practice. It took a lot of hard work, persistence, and resilience to get to where she is today. She overcame these obstacles by staying focused on her goals, continually learning, and relying on a solid network of mentors, colleagues, and supporters.
Over the years, Jacquie has learned a few important lessons. Building and maintaining strong relationships is essential—trust and credibility are the foundation of success in public policy. Adaptability is also crucial, as the public policy landscape is constantly changing. Above all, she’s learned the importance of staying true to the mission of BalyProjects: driving positive change and creating opportunities for clients and communities.
At its core, BalyProjects is about more than just consulting. It’s about advocating for public policies that make a difference and striving for excellence in every project. The story of BalyProjects is one of perseverance, dedication, and a strong belief in the power of public policy to create meaningful change.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Starting with a sail from Kemah on Jacquie’s boat is the perfect way to kick off an extraordinary week in the Houston area. The following itinerary captures the essence of what makes this region so special.
Day 1: Kemah and Galveston
The adventure begins with a peaceful sail from Kemah, taking in the Gulf breeze and stunning views. Once back on land, visiting Kemah Boardwalk offers rides, games, and plenty of seafood options. The waterfront dining at Landry’s or Flying Dutchman for lunch provides a true taste of the Gulf.
In the afternoon, the trip continues to Galveston Island. Explore the historic Strand District, visit the Galveston Railroad Museum, and enjoy a walk along the Seawall. Dinner at Gaido’s, a Galveston institution, serves classic seafood, followed by a sunset stroll on the beach.
Day 2: NASA and Space Exploration
Day 2 brings a closer look at space exploration with visits to NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston. These iconic spots offer interactive exhibits and exclusive tours that are sure to fascinate you. Lunch at Rudy & Paco in Galveston offers Latin-inspired cuisine before returning to Houston for dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Clear Lake, where Cajun and Creole flavors take center stage.
Day 3: Museum District and Hermann Park
Cultural immersion is the focus of Day 3. Start in Houston’s Museum District, choosing from the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, or the Contemporary Arts Museum. Enjoy a Southern-inspired lunch at Lucille’s, then spend the afternoon at Hermann Park, paddle boating on McGovern Lake, or stroll through the Japanese Garden. Dinner at B&B Butchers & Restaurant promises a top-notch steak with downtown views.
Day 4: The Heights and Downtown Houston
Day 4 explores the charm of the Heights neighborhood. Discover unique boutiques and grab coffee at Boomtown Coffee before lunch at Local Foods. Head downtown to Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou Park in the afternoon. Dinner at Xochi offers an inventive Mexican dining experience, and the evening wraps up with cocktails at Anvil Bar & Refuge in Montrose.
Day 5: Sugar Land
Jacquie, with her background as the former City Planner and City Councilmember, is passionate about recommending a day in Sugar Land. Having played a pivotal role in the development of the Town Square, she takes immense pride in the area. A visit to Sugar Land isn’t complete without exploring the Town Square, where visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts, indulge in shopping, and savor dining experiences in a picturesque setting. Another must-visit is the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land, which offers engaging exhibits suitable for visitors of all ages. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the Sugar Land Memorial Park is the perfect spot to hike, bike, or paddle along the tranquil Brazos River.
Day 6: Houston’s Culinary Scene
Day 6 is all about savoring Houston’s culinary delights. Start with brunch at Backstreet Cafe, then choose between a visit to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center or the Houston Zoo. Dinner at Brasserie 19 brings sophisticated French cuisine, followed by drinks with a view at The Post Oak Hotel’s rooftop bar.
Day 7: Relaxation and Reflection
The final day offers a leisurely pace. Spend the morning at the Houston Botanic Garden or wander Rice University’s campus. Lunch at Pondicheri in Upper Kirby brings creative Indian flavors. In the afternoon, visit the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel for art and reflection. The trip concludes with a memorable dinner at Hugo’s in Montrose, offering authentic Mexican cuisine.
This itinerary showcases the vibrant and diverse experiences that make Houston an exciting place to explore, ensuring a week filled with unforgettable memories.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Jacquie, a successful entrepreneur, public servant, and philanthropist, made the inspiring decision to return to school at the peak of her career. She aims to fulfill her lifelong ambition by pursuing a Doctorate degree at the University of Southern California (USC). Jacquie recently completed her Dissertation and passed her final defense in her Doctoral Program. She expresses profound gratitude to her dissertation chair, committee members, and all the professors in her Doctoral program at USC. These individuals’ unwavering support, insightful guidance, and encouragement have been instrumental in her research and academic journey. Each one has contributed significantly to her growth and development as a scholar, leader, and advocate in her field of study. Central to this journey has been the unwavering support and guidance of her Dissertation Chair, whose mentorship has been indispensable. The journey was further enriched by the invaluable feedback from the Committee members, fostering Jacquie’s critical thinking and refining her work.
Her professors at USC have profoundly shaped Jacquie’s journey to academic excellence. Their depth of knowledge and commitment to education have deeply inspired her. As a scholar and researcher in her field, she acknowledges these educators’ pivotal role in her career, laying the foundation for her success.
A community of love and encouragement has also nurtured her personal growth. Born to parents who migrated from the French West Indies, Jacquie was raised with a profound respect for education and a relentless drive to chase the American dream—a dream that her parents fervently supported. Her “hubby” has been a pillar of strength, constantly believing in her potential, and her sons, affectionately known as her “PerfectSons,” bring endless motivation and joy into her life.
Now at the pinnacle of her career, acknowledged as an academic scholar and researcher and a guiding light in her community, Jacquie’s gratitude for the support she has received remains as strong as ever. She credits her achievements to the collective wisdom of her academic mentors, her family’s unconditional love, and her sons’ enthusiastic encouragement. Jacquie’s narrative beautifully demonstrates how gratitude, vision, and community support propel one to remarkable achievements.
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