Life & Work with Jacques McNeil of Hawthorne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacques McNeil.

Hi Jacques, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
“Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond.” – Charles Swindoll

We all experience moments in life that challenge us to the core—moments that force us to decide who we will become. But it’s not the events themselves that define us; it’s how we choose to respond. My journey began with such a moment when I was just 17 years old.

I was on a break during my shift at Burger King, still grieving the recent loss of my father, when I was abducted at gunpoint and assaulted by three men. In those terrifying moments, my dreams of graduating high school, my future, and my family seemed to fade away. I wondered if I would even survive.

When they released me, dropping me off behind the very place where I worked, I faced a critical choice: would this tragedy define me, or would I find a way to rise? Less than 48 hours later, I returned to school. Though I hadn’t fully processed what had happened, I understood that my response to this trauma would shape my future. That horrific experience ignited within me a deep desire to help others find resilience in their most difficult moments.

I went on to graduate high school and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. My passion for service led me to establish The McNeil-Lewis Consulting Group, where I helped train individuals transitioning out of prison, providing them with vital life skills. I also founded W.I.T.N.E.S.S. Book Club, a Christian women’s book club that thrived for 20 years. We met monthly to discuss a book of the month, we hosted women’s conferences and retreats, and we welcomed inspiring guest authors such as Wendy Gladney, Deborah Pegues, Michele Hoskins, Terry McFaddin, Theresa Ordell, George Thompson, Robert’s Liardon, Elizabeth George, and Bishop Charles Blake, to name a few. We also served more than 3,500 women and children on Skid Row by providing personal hygiene bags and books on Mother’s Day weekend.

Today, I am honored to serve alongside my husband, Bishop David McNeil, at Transforming Lives Ministries, where we recently celebrated our 9th anniversary. Together, we are committed to guiding others toward spiritual transformation and victorious living. As a spiritual and personal growth coach, I’ve made it my mission to equip others with the tools to turn their pain into purpose and step into their God-given potential.

My life’s journey has taught me that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to rise. Whether through my book, Life Happens – 30 Strategies for Triumphant Living, or my Empowered By The Word Podcast, my heart is to help others discover their gifts, rise above their circumstances, and live lives filled with triumph and fulfillment

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has certainly had its challenges. I experienced another significant challenge just two months after our daughter, Micaela was born. After 10 years with a company where I was a loyal and valued team member, my job was unexpectedly eliminated due to statewide restructuring. The loss was shocking—not just financially, but emotionally. I had invested so much into my work, and to have it taken away while adjusting to motherhood felt like a major blow.

Relying on my faith, family, and inner resilience, I decided to redefine myself. That’s when The McNeil-Lewis Consulting Group was birthed, leading to new opportunities that aligned with my purpose. Although it was a difficult season, it became a pivotal moment for my personal and professional growth.

What continues to be confirmed is that struggles, while inevitable, don’t have to define us. They can propel us toward greater strength and purpose. No matter what we face, we can keep moving forward—even when the road feels uncertain. I’m convinced our challenges are preparing us for something greater.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My passion has always been about using behavioral analysis and faith to spark personal transformation. Whether it’s in my role as an Instructional Designer at UCLA Health, where I create training programs for clinical staff, or in other areas of my work, I focus on helping people grow.

At UCLA, I blend my expertise in human behavior with instructional design to develop learning experiences that improve clinical workflows and patient care, while also fostering real growth in those I train.

Ultimately, everything I do is rooted in my desire to guide others toward deeper self-awareness and meaningful change.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
While my work and ministry are incredibly important to me, my heart is deeply rooted in my family. I’ve been blessed to share 31 wonderful years with my husband, David, and we cherish every moment together. Our daughter, Micaela, is a remarkable young woman pursuing her master’s degree, and she continues to inspire me daily. I’m also incredibly close to my baby sister, Monique, and since our mother’s recent passing, our bond has only deepened. My family is my greatest joy, and being with them constantly reminds me of what truly matters in life

Outside of my family and work, I am an avid reader, typically reading three books a month. Immersing myself in different concepts and stories fuels my personal, professional, and spiritual growth. Travel is another passion that opens my mind to new cultures and perspectives, while the ocean provides me with a deep sense of peace and renewal. My walks along the Manhattan Beach strand are sacred moments where I reconnect with myself and reflect on life.

Prioritizing my well-being is essential for me. Whether it’s staying physically active, juicing, or preparing nutritious meals, I’m committed to a lifestyle that keeps me energized. This allows me to show up fully in every area of my life and give my best to everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.jacquesmcneil.com
• Instagram: @jacquesmcneil
• Facebook: Www.facebook.com/jacques.mcneil
• Linkedin: Www.linkedin.com/in/maryjacquesmcneil
• Youtube: EBTW, Memorizing Scripture with Jacques

Image Credits
Jackie Smith, photographer (www.jasmithphotography.com) for four of the seven images.