Years ago when Haseena Shaheed-Jackson gave an inspirational talk to women at Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln, she remembered one inmate who had been there for more than three decades and she wondered how she would fare upon release.
Later when she asked God what she should do with her master’s degrees in business administration and human services counseling, she heard the words:
“Remember that woman you saw in prison? You need to help women like her,’” recalls Shaheed-Jackson, 56.
She was already feeling the weight of her brother’s suicide when he was 43 and she was 40.
It was that concern for struggling people that led her to start Ava’s Pathways in 2024, a nonprofit that offers coaching and events to empower women at any stage of their lives. Co-founder and Vice President Alice Pryor and the board focus on individuals affected by injustice, domestic abuse, divorce and other challenges.
But it’s all done through a compassionate acceptance of people no matter their backgrounds, mistakes or emotional makeup.
“I want to be able to help people understand it’s OK to not be OK,” said Shaheed-Jackson, executive director/president.
She said wants to create a community of self-care and wellness that helps women make the most of their lives.
She also helps them move ahead and take on new challenges, even if things seem to be going OK, or “take back their control of the 3 Bs (believe, belong and became).”
Upcoming events include Bloom Boldly, where attendees create their own floral arrangement while exploring the language of flowers and their connection to emotions, Espresso Yourself with a Kick and Spring into Strength and Wellness, focused on mindful movement, nutrition and community.
Shaheed-Jackson, who lives in Homewood with her husband and Labrador and husky dogs, also runs a for-profit business called Faith, Hope and Spirit.
She also writes inspirational books, including “Created to Soar: Rising Above Life’s Storms.” And she offers daily nuggets of encouragement via texting.
Religion and faith have played crucial roles for Shaheed-Jackson, who was formerly Muslim but is now Christian and attends Victory Apostolic Church and New Faith Baptist International Church in Matteson.
“I get the best of both worlds,” she said.
Marie Ventura, a senior mortgage planner in Tinley Park, was so moved by Shaheed-Jackson’s message that she became a board member.
“We’re focused on providing a second chance to help women who have struggled financially and possibly legally to find their place in the world,” Ventura said.
Ventura also said Shaheed-Jackson’s personality helps motivate people.
“She’s very warm, she’s got a really wonderful, engaging presence but also really makes people think, as well, she said.
As a family therapist, Susan Schwendener was looking for tips on helping her business move forward. A mentoring group hooked her up with Shaheed-Jackson, who suggested ways of improving her website, marketing and hiring her first therapist. But she was also impressed by Ava’s Pathways.
“It’s really providing a place for women to be mentored, connect, share their talents and it doesn’t matter where you are in life,” said Schwendener, who lives in Chicago. “There’s a strong emphasis on helping people at different stages of their lives and as a therapist, that’s really kind of where my heart is.”
Board member and co-founder Alice Pryor became involved after her own tumultuous former marriage.
“I am one of the women you would help,” she said. “I resemble that in my life … I’ve had to burn my life down and start over.”
Like other board members, Pryor — who lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, and often communicates with the group virtually — said she was moved by Shaheed-Jackson’s strong faith and her commitment to giving back.
“When you’re rebuilding your life and have two kids and are making 70 cents on the dollar as a man does, that is a crisis,” said Pryor. “Women need to band together, support each other and become visible before you close that income gap.
“This is about increasing the visibility by really becoming part of the community,” she said.
Walking miles daily, exercise several times weekly and nature have helped Shaheed-Jackson gain emotional strength, despite her own struggles. She encourages clients to do the same.
“When I go to my quiet place, I get time with God,” said Shaheed-Jackson. “You have to get into that space where you really get connected.”
Her parents, including a dad who was a railroad worker and served in the Vietnam War, as well as a middle school mentor who pushed her into AP classes, also helped.
One of her favorite sayings that keeps her going and which she tries to instill in others is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
Janice Neumann is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
