Ola Jackson-Founder and CEO of OWN-Onyx Women Network

Originating from Pittsburgh PA, Ola Jackson’s life story is of a woman dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives.
Overcoming challenges and adversity, Ola has earned her status as an innovative business woman with award winning distinction,
and is an inspirational role model of persevering from struggle to success.
Ola went on to graduate in 1987 from Robert Morris University with a B.S. in Business Administration; Marketing Major.
Her career started in advertising with the former Kaufmann’s department store while also raising an autistic son, in the days
before support networks were available. With a determined spirit, Ola launched her own freelance public relations business
to enable her to work while dedicating more time to the needs of her autistic child.
A teaching project in 1994 planted the seed for what was to become the launch of “Onyx Woman Magazine”. Instructing a job
training program at local colleges to women transitioning from welfare into the workforce, Ola realized that putting her advice into
print would be even more effective and offer a wider impact. With this insight her first newsletter was born, which would one day
evolve into “OWN: The Onyx Woman Network”, a media outlet reaching thousands of women of color.
Her autistic son is now a 25 year old man, and she is far from slowing down. Jackson is now working on her first book;
“HomeGirl CEO” to be released in late 2011. This motivational how-to guide is filled with time tested advice and invaluable
tips for women running their own business successfully from home.