Today we’d like to introduce you to Katisha Jallow
Hi Katisha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Katisha Jallow, maiden name Perry, originally from New Jersey, joined the Army in 1999 and retired in 2023. Prior to military career, worked as an executive assistant to the directors of an emergency room department at a hospital. I began my Army service as a Military Police officer before transitioning to Human Resources. Throughout the career, i was stationed in Italy, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, California, and Florida.
Over the years, I was stationed in Italy, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, California, and Florida. My roles primarily involved human resources and people management, but it was in Tennessee that I was deeply involved in supporting Soldiers and the community with mental health, resiliency, and self-care
My position required vulnerability assessments of people, places, and things, revealing that regardless of status or location, everyone faces their own struggles. During this period, I also served as a court-appointed special advocate for teens, balancing this with my military duties. This experience taught me the significance of work-life balance, especially as I managed both my career and family life. It became clear to me that military service doesn’t have to be the only focus of one’s life.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has had many roller coasters, but it’s been a powerful testament to resilience and strength. As a military police in many predominantly male duty location , I faced the challenge of proving my capability every step of the way. And as a Black woman in those predominantly white military environment, I encountered unique struggles that challenged my mental endurance.
The transition from military to full civilian life has been a significant shift. Moving back to California after my retirement and diving into a completely new career in the music business has been both thrilling and daunting. Thrilling because of the shift of who I am helping to develop personally and professionally but also experiencing the challenges of the gender executive roles all over again. Music therapy has always become a daily source of healing and expression for me,as it has meant facing new fears and uncertainties. So I knew my next career transition was smooth after the military.
Working with homeless veterans has brought me face-to-face with my own fears of potentially finding myself in such a situation. These experiences have deeply influenced my journey and my commitment to being ambition and executing my goals and my mission to support others especially in self-care.
Despite the hurdles, my journey is a reflection of determination, growth, and the power of embracing change. Each challenge has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am grateful for every lesson learned along the way. My daughter, mother and sister have been my support system. Just like my dad who also retired from the Army was my support system throughout my military career.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my role as a Talent Agent for K Luv Culture, I specialize in helping artists navigate the music industry, connecting them with opportunities that align with their talents. My services focus on talent representation, brand/client partnership and event and tour bookings. I consider this agency a boutique music division of United Talent Agency or CAA.
As a Mental Health Advocate with the California Suicide Prevention Network (CALISPN), I work to raise awareness and support mental health initiatives, striving to make an impact on communities in need and also providing an online directory of those in the communities who also are advocate and mental health and wellness professionals support.
In addition, I serve as a Veteran Rehabilitation Specialist, providing crucial support for veterans seeking education and employment services. This role allows me to assist those who have served our country in their transition to civilian life, helping them find new paths and opportunities in which I still help homeless veterans with resources for housing And other resources within their service-connected disabilities.
What I’m most proud of is the ability to make a meaningful difference in multiple areas of people’s lives. Whether it’s advancing artists’ careers, advocating for mental health, or supporting fellow veterans, my diverse roles allow me to impact lives positively and directly.
What sets me apart is my unique blend of experiences and passions. My background in the military, combined with my dedication to mental health and support for veterans. My job is being involved in the personal and professional development of individuals.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is my parent house parties just to watch everyone dance.! I also loved turning my bedroom into an unofficial record label and being an A&R or Manager, with cut-out music magazine pictures of artists and drawers full of cassette tapes. Music has been my lifestyle since the 1990s. Watching Scooby-Doo was a big deal, and now I tease my daughter by calling her Scrappy.
Saturdays were all about cleaning the house before heading outside. Living in a Caribbean household! And, oh, wearing braces with the brace headgear. Lastly wearing polka dots as a fashion statement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.calispn.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calispn_org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/calispn.org/
