From Financial Plans to Dance Floor Jams!
Sometimes life throws you a curveball, but instead of dodging, you catch it and turn it into a disco ball. That’s exactly how I felt today after a chance phone call with Jackie “Danza”—a DJ, financial wizard, and overall powerhouse of a woman.
Here’s how it went down => I’ve been coordinating a 130+ guest Awards Gala/Masquerade Ball (purely as a friendly gesture, mind you—I am not, now, or have ever worked as an event planner). When the time came to book a DJ, I was referred to Jackie Danza. The moment we started talking, it was like meeting a kindred spirit—someone who “gets it” in the way only another ambitious, goal-crushing woman can.
The Call That Turned into a Connection
After covering the event details and giving Jackie the verbal thumbs-up, she hit me with a question => “Do you own a production company or event planning business, Jo?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Nope! I’m just handling this Gala ass an act of kindness for a friend. You know, because running my own business and coaching ambitious women full-time isn’t enough excitement.” <tongue-in-cheek>
Naturally, Jackie was curious. “Then what do you do for work?”
When I explained that I’m a Business Strategist for Ambitious Women, her reaction was everything—part intrigue, part delight, and a sprinkle of serendipity. She sounded like the universe had just connected two puzzle pieces it had been holding onto for way too long.
From Turntables to Wealth Tables
Turns out, Jackie isn’t just spinning records; she’s, Jackie Onan, a Wealth Planner, spinning financial lives into shape, too. By day, she’s a financial planner with 17 years of experience at a global firm under her belt. But at night (and at a few fabulous events), she’s Jackie Danza, DJ extraordinaire.
Her DJ business started as a passion project. “I love music,” she told me. “It brings people together. Kind of like us today.” And she’s absolutely right—music does have this incredible way of creating connections.
But don’t let the turntables fool you; Jackie is just as passionate about empowering women in her “day job.” She recently left the corporate world to start her own financial planning business focused on what she calls “healthy wealth.” Her mission? Helping women design financial portfolios that create balance for their wealth to create optimal health.
I mean, is this woman amazing or what?
Let’s Talk About the Stats
Jackie’s story is inspiring, but sadly, stories like hers aren’t as common as they should be. Women own nearly 40% of all businesses in the U.S., yet we’re still fighting for our fair share of resources.
Here’s a stat that makes me shake my head every time – Only 4% of venture capital funding goes to women-owned businesses. Four percent! That’s barely enough to buy a cup of coffee at one of the many women-owned cafes trying to keep their lights on.
Despite the odds, women-owned businesses employ over $12.2 million people and generate $2.7 trillion annually. TRILLION. We’re clearly out here making magic happen, but imagine what we could do with more support from each other and the broader community.
How You Can Show Up for Women Entrepreneurs
Here’s the deal => supporting women-owned businesses doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a cape or a megaphone (though both sound fun). Here are a few simple ways you can make a big difference:
1. Shop Women-Owned – Next time you’re buying a gift, booking a service, or even just grabbing lunch, seek out businesses owned by women.
2. Hype Them Up – Share their posts, leave a review, or tag your friends in their business profiles. Trust me, your kind words mean more than you
know.
3. Collaborate – Partner with other women in your industry. Two heads are better than one, especially when those heads are fueled by ambition
and caffeine.
4. Invest in Their Services – Need a financial planner who understands your dreams and struggles? Call Jackie. Need a business coach who’ll
make you laugh while helping you hit your goals? You know where to find me.
Why It All Matters
Let’s get real for a second. Women like Jackie—and like you, if you’re reading this—are changing the game. Whether it’s through music, money management, or masterminding a business plan, we’re proving that women can and will lead the way.
But here’s the thing – we’re stronger together. Every dollar, every word of encouragement, every collaboration makes a difference. It’s not just about building businesses; it’s about building a community of women who lift each other up, one bold move at a time.
What’s Next for Jackie and Me?
Jackie will be spinning the tunes at the Gala, bringing her magic to the dance floor. And me? I’ll be cheering her on, just as I’m sure she’ll be cheering on the women she helps through her financial planning.
This Awards Gala/Masquerade Ball might be the reason we connected, but it’s clear to me that our paths were meant to cross. After all, when women come together—whether it’s through business, music, or a chance phone call—the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
