Today we’d like to introduce you to Janister Herring.
Hi Janister, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ja’nister is the Founder & CEO of Essence Technology Consulting. She connects people, business and technology to close the gaps for business growth. Ja’nister has thirty years of highly experienced information technology project management, technology management and process improvement management experience. She has successfully navigated various industries, including manufacturing, utilities, transportation, wholesale distribution, finance, information governance, and communications.
She also has a love for underserved youth and communities so has pivoted and taken an Executive Director’s role for Jenkins Youth & Family Village (formerly Jenkins Orphanage). Jenkins Youth & Family Village, formerly known as Jenkins Orphanage, has a rich history of providing care and support to children and families need. Founded in 1891, the organization has been a pillar of the community for over a century. Today, Jenkins continues to make a positive impact through its programs and services, helping to build a brighter future for those it serves. Learn more about the incredible journey of Jenkins Youth & Family Village and how you can get involved by visiting our website at www.jenkinsoas.org.
Over the past 25 years, Ja’nister has been an advocate for at-risk girls, young women, and underserved people through organizations such as PACE Center for Girls, Girl Scouts, United Way’s Women Leadership, Women’s Giving Alliance, Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, Daniel Kids, and the Deloris Barr Weaver Policy Center in various Board of Director leadership roles. Ja’nister has and is currently holding various leadership roles with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Jacksonville Florida Chapter, Lowcountry African American Giving Circle, the Charleston (SC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, Increasing H.O.P.E. – Women Development Center and Jenkins Youth & Family Center.
Education
Harvard Business School Online
Leadership & Management (2020)
Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri
Master of Arts, Computer Information & Resource Management (1998)
Master of Arts, Human Resource Development (1998)
DeVry University, Atlanta, Georgia
Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering of Technology (1993)
Ja’nister has been a resident of the Charleston community for 10 years, loves reading, long distance cycling, traveling and has two adult sons, Nathaniel III and Christian.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The path to where I stand today was never paved with ease; it was forged through grit and persistence. Growing up in a single-parent household and working my way through college weren’t just obstacles—they were the very things that built my resilience.
I don’t take a single day for granted. Every challenge I’ve faced has sharpened my perspective and deepened my commitment to others. Today, I look back on those struggles with genuine gratitude, because they gave me the strength and empathy needed to help our community not just survive, but truly thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
With over three decades of experience bridging the gap between C-Suite vision and technical execution, I have spent my career transforming complex business requirements into high-impact technology solutions. However, my true north has always been servant leadership—the drive to use my expertise in service of others.
A few months ago, I chose to step out on faith and align my professional skills with my personal passion. Today, as the Executive Director of Jenkins Youth and Family Village, I am seeing the tangible impact of that choice every day. By integrating data analytics and technology into our core processes, I’ve been able to drive operational efficiency and decision-making across the organization ensuring we are better equipped to support our families. There is no greater reward than knowing my background in innovation is now directly helping our community thrive.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
While my family remains my foundation, it is the steadfast circle of women in my life who keep me truly grounded. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to learn from a diverse group of mentors—men and women from both within and outside my industry.
Their collective wisdom provided a broader perspective on the intersection of life and career, offering guidance that helped shape my character and my professional path. I am a reflection of those who invested in me, and their influence continues to guide the way I lead today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jenkinsoas.org
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janisterherring/
- Other: https://www.essencetechconsulting.com
