Dr. DeShonda Jennings, known as the “Accountability Catalyst,” is a motivational force in the coaching world. As a coach, speaker, and business mentor, Dr. Jennings is a driving inspiration, encouraging her clients to stop making excuses and take meaningful, decisive steps toward their business dreams. Her relatable, non-judgmental approach fosters a safe and supportive environment where clients can uncover their unique gifts and transform them into successful, sustainable ventures. This compassionate yet empowering style has helped Dr. Jennings carve out a distinctive niche in the entrepreneurial and childcare coaching communities.
Raised in Kenbridge, Virginia, Dr. Jennings developed an early passion for helping children, which eventually led her to establish DJ Shining Stars Preschool—a family childcare business that stands as a testament to her commitment to excellence in early childhood education. Her journey as a Family Child Care Business Owner has been complemented by her expertise as a Childcare Coach, an International Speaker, and a Best-Selling Author. Each of these roles speaks to her depth of experience and dedication, both to children and to the childcare professionals she mentors. Through her books and speaking engagements, Dr. Jennings strives to empower families and business owners alike, helping to revolutionize early childhood education and positively impact countless lives.
In addition to running her preschool, Dr. Jennings serves as a coach for childcare professionals, aspiring business owners, and career changers who wish to build thriving businesses in diverse fields. She brings a wealth of practical insight and motivation to her coaching sessions, making her clients feel valued and understood. Her unique approach not only makes entrepreneurship accessible but also instills in clients a sense of self-worth and belief in their potential. Her coaching and public engagements have transformed the lives of those she works with, empowering them to build lasting, impactful businesses.
In recent months, Dr. Jennings received an honorary doctorate in Humanitarian work on September 28, 2024, in recognition of her efforts to uplift communities through childcare and entrepreneurship. She has also launched the annual DJ It Takes A Village Christmas Giveaway, offering meaningful support to families in need during the holiday season. These new milestones represent Dr. Jennings’ dedication to serving her community and expanding her influence to support individuals on their path to personal and professional success.
Dr. DeShonda Jennings, or the “Accountability Catalyst” as she’s widely known, is shaking up the coaching and childcare industries with her holistic approach to entrepreneurship. Her philosophy centers on breaking free from self-imposed limitations and motivating people to stop making excuses for not reaching their goals. At the core of her coaching strategy lies a compassionate approach: she encourages people to embrace who they are, discover their unique abilities, and build businesses that align with their personal passions. For Dr. Jennings, accountability is a non-negotiable principle, and she believes that once her clients take responsibility for their actions, success becomes not only possible but inevitable.
In her words, Dr. Jennings emphasizes that accountability isn’t about forcing someone to make changes; it’s about providing a safe space to explore, dream, and take action without fear of judgment. She finds that this approach helps her clients, particularly those in childcare, establish sustainable businesses that reflect their values. Her journey is filled with dedication, having established DJ Shining Stars Preschool to serve as a model of family childcare excellence. Her work goes beyond childcare to help her clients make positive, tangible impacts in their own lives and their communities.
Dr. Jennings’ coaching experience has shown her that the biggest hurdle for many entrepreneurs is the fear of taking the first step. She finds that many of her clients feel overwhelmed by the potential risks and challenges of starting a business, which prevents them from moving forward. To address this, she breaks down each step into manageable, realistic goals. Her clients gain a clear understanding of how to approach each phase of their business journey. She encourages them to visualize the bigger picture, which includes both the challenges and the rewards. This step-by-step approach has helped hundreds of aspiring business owners develop the resilience needed to succeed.
When asked about the challenges of running DJ It Takes A Village Christmas Giveaway, Dr. Jennings explains that the initiative is as fulfilling as it is demanding. This annual event gathers applications from families in need, offering them holiday support that includes essentials and holiday gifts. Organizing and distributing resources requires careful planning, but for Dr. Jennings, the process is well worth the effort. She shares that the giveaway has become a cherished tradition within the community, providing families with much-needed holiday relief and joy. Dr. Jennings views this as an extension of her commitment to “taking a village” approach—ensuring families feel supported not just during the holiday season but throughout the year.
Reflecting on her recent honorary doctorate in Humanitarian work, Dr. Jennings shares that the recognition is both humbling and motivating. To her, this honorary title represents the positive change she strives to make daily within her community and beyond. She is particularly grateful for the acknowledgment because it serves as a testament to the power of uplifting others, an ideal she lives by. By offering genuine support and guidance, she hopes to inspire people to be the best versions of themselves. This accomplishment only fuels her mission to continue making a lasting impact on lives across the world, especially in the fields of childcare and small business coaching.
For those ready to take their childcare journey to the next level, visit www.childcarejourney.com/cruise to reserve your spot on this transformative journey. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged to secure your place.
For more information on Dr. DeShonda Jennings’ coaching services, public speaking engagements, or DJ It Takes A Village Christmas Giveaway, please contact:
Website: www.dejourvillage.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DJItTakesAVillage
LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/in/deshondajennings
Email: [email protected]