An Interview With Edward Sylvan
Since I was 17 yrs old my cause/ platform is to volunteer to help women and children in need. Over the years I have been blessed to be able to support thousands of families from programs for kids to stay in school, providing backpacks for school and hygiene supplies, offering food gift cards during the pandemic for those forced to stay home with no job or income, but most recently watching a Ukrainian mother of four forced out of her home rushing in the streets to safety without any food or supplies was so devastating. Seeing the bewildered and frightened children deeply touched my heart. Through Charm, we were able to send supplies and the resources they and others like this mother needed to find some refuge. The mother was seen by my sister Dr. Janette who was in Lviv treating people who were able to escape.
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jaclyn Stapp.
Jaclyn Stapp, Mrs. Tennessee Universe, is a mother of 4, a passionate youth advocate, award-winning children’s book author, spokesperson, and ambassador for ChildFund International. She is a graduate of Florida’s Stetson University, Jaclyn is also a national lifestyle model who’s graced the cover of numerous magazines. She holds many pageant titles as former Miss New York USA, 1st runner up in Mrs. America and last month placed 1st runner up in Mrs. World. Her titles included Miss New York USA, Mrs. Florida America, & Ist runner up in Mrs. America. Jaclyn’s effervescent spirit and compassionate platform left her indelible mark on those competitions, which allowed her to give voice to the causes near to her heart.
She dedicates her time and efforts to her family, and her personal foundation of 15 years. Children Are Magical (CHARM) a children’s advocacy organization supporting families in need and pursuing an education.
Jaclyn is the proud daughter of Jordanian American immigrants who moved to America to find a better life for their children, Jaclyn lost her father tragically at the age of 8, leaving her widowed mom to raise five children. Her family flourished against the odds, inspiring Jaclyn’s dedication to helping other families and children in need through Children Are Magical Foundation.
Jaclyn traveled to Iraq with the White House Provisional Coalition, visiting US troops, touring Iraqi orphanages, and supporting the first female members of the Governing Council in declaring women’s rights. She has received the President’s National Community Service Award for international humanitarian work, and is a spokesperson for National Voices for Equality, Education and Enlightenment (NVEEE), which works to prevent adolescent and teenage bullying, violence, and suicide through proactive involvement. Also serving as an ambassador for Child Fund International providing housing, education, and feeding children in need, Jaclyn has traveled to Ecuador in support of families living in impoverished areas.
In partnership with her husband, a Grammy award-winning husband Jaclyn has served as Executive Director of With Arms Wide Open Foundation, traveling Internationally on USO Tours, raising over $1 million for children for literacy programs and music therapy, using the power of music to unite and heal. Life hasn’t always been ‘charmed’- Jaclyn has bravely shared her family’s struggle with addiction and as the result of her advocacy for mental health resources and recovery programs, she was awarded by NAMI NYC the “Catalyst for Change Award” NAMI NYC. Jaclyn ‘s enjoys reading, cooking and is a certified yoga instructor. Her greatest joy in life is and title is Mom.
In 2010, Jaclyn launched her first children’s book, titled Wacky Jacky: The True Story of an Unlikely Beauty Queen. Her true to life experience won the prestigious Mom’s Choice award and the Children’s Literary Classics. . Jaclyn’s dream from high school came to life through the official launching of her Children Are Magical Foundation and involvement with the National Voices for Empowerment, Education, and Enlightenment (NVEEE). As their national spokesperson, Jaclyn promoted public awareness to prevent bullying, violence, and suicide through proactive youth involvement.
Jaclyn also travels on tour supporting her Grammy award-winning husband, Creed frontman Scott Stapp. Of all the titles Jaclyn has earned, the ones she wears most proudly are wife and mother of 3 children. She resides with her family in Franklin, TN.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
My backstory is my life story which became my mission to work hard, succeed and give back to others. Writing, pageants, and organizing community projects was a venue that gave me a voice to promote my platform which is to help families, especially women and children in need.
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
When I visited the troops and my sister in IRAQ they mistook me for my sister Captain Nesheiwat and kept calling me by her name.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
I have been so honored to mentor and be able to positively impact others. My best advice comes from my mother who taught me early in life to be responsible, work hard and believe in yourself. This focus is a great driving force to make one’s dreams a true reality.
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
It is very common and endearing for a girl to adore her mother. Your mother becomes the first mentor in your life. For me my mother is someone who did much more, she left a great indelible imprint on my heart and soul.
My widowed mom single-handedly devoted to caring for all five of us children after my dad passed away suddenly in an accident. I watched her very early in my life like a giraffe. She would eat and sleep standing up to make sure we were all fed, clothed, schooled, happy and safe. She taught me very early in life to work hard, be responsible and thankful for all we did have. Despite our humble beginnings, she always made sure to volunteer to help others and give back what we can. She was determined and very strong in her Christian faith. Committed to making great citizens of all her children, she emphasized getting educated and encouraged us not to settle and reach out for more to even impact the world. I acknowledge her and God for the success of all my siblings and the immense love and respect my mother has from everyone who meets here. I am so honored to be her daughter and excited to pass down her wisdom and traditions to my own children.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
I am one of five children raised by my widowed mother. Despite our humble beginnings she taught us early in life to appreciate all that we did have and still give back to others. This left an indelible imprint in my heart and at 17 years old, I began a charity called ‘CHARM’ to support and help empower families, women and children in need.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
All children deserve a good head start for school and to help prepare them we provide thousands of backpacks filled with school and hygiene supplies. We also invite vendors who offer free haircuts, medical screenings, clothing, food items and more.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
Since I was 17 yrs old my cause/ platform is to volunteer to help women and children in need. Over the years I have been blessed to be able to support thousands of families from programs for kids to stay in school, providing backpacks for school and hygiene supplies, offering food gift cards during the pandemic for those forced to stay home with no job or income, but most recently watching a Ukrainian mother of four forced out of her home rushing in the streets to safety without any food or supplies was so devastating Seeing the bewildered and frightened children deeply touched my heart. Through Charm, we were able to send supplies and the resources they and others like this mother needed to find some refuge. The mother was seen by my sister Dr. Janette who was in Lviv treating people who were able to escape.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
We need to reach out and assess the needs of the children in the communities and provide them with the items they need to have a good start to school. We need to motivate and encourage kids to stay in school and their education is important. Having a special someone as a celebrity and public role model to attend and speak out to the youth in schools or churches or libraries does indeed impact their little lives.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”
I wish someone told me more about fundraising, recruiting volunteers, delegating to share the workload, networking, and how to access resources. Today, 20 years later, I have mastered some of these skills.
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I am very concerned about the rising incidents of bullying in school and suicide amongst children. I would love to see a program in school where certain students got involved as watch angels Over other students that were unusually quiet or alone or not engaged. “Each one, Reach one” may help someone struggling with abuse or with emotional issues and alert an adult for support.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
“You are the change you want to see in this world”. Giving back to others is my way of empowering someone who may impact their family and ultimately affect their community which of course may result in a better society.
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Queen Rania, of Jordan, is an incredible mother, wife, and queen. She is someone I emulate because she influences so many people on all socioeconomic levels. She is the epitome of elegance and while emerging herself in the local communities. She is a well-spoken speaker who emphasizes education, protecting Jordan’s antiquities and is honored by so many. All can see how much she values her heritage and her country. She is one of the reasons I am so proud of my Arabic heritage.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Jaclyn Stapp Of CHARM Is Helping to Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.