We are delighted to introduce Winterfeldt IP Group's Diversity Speaker Series, a new quarterly webinar program that will feature diverse speakers and diversity and inclusion-related topics!
For our inaugural program, we are honored to welcome EJ Jackson, a legal industry veteran who is the author of the acclaimed memoir Thirteen and a noted disability advocate in connection with multiple sclerosis (MS), as well as a former member of the team that became Winterfeldt IP Group. Please join us for an engaging discussion with EJ, moderated by our Founder and Principal, Brian Winterfeldt. EJ, a masterful storyteller and experienced motivational speaker, will explore:
• The challenging childhood circumstances that are recollected in Thirteen, and how they shaped her life;
• The process of becoming a published author, with tips for finding one's voice and the time and motivation to write;
• Her experiences with MS, and subsequent community and legislative advocacy on behalf of the disability community; and
• Navigating disability while balancing writing and advocacy, particularly with the additional challenges brought by the COVID-19 era.
About EJ Jackson
EJ Jackson, is a married, fourth-generation Washingtonian and the mother of one son. She spent most of her professional career in corporate law and was well respected by her colleagues. In 2005, EJ was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic, debilitating disease of the central nervous system. As a result of the effects of this unpredictable disease, Jackson was medically advised to discontinue her career. Because of her tenacious personality, Jackson wasn't ready to fade into the background due to her disability, so she became a volunteer, District Activist Leader for the National MS Society in her Congressional 10th District (Virginia). She brings awareness to elected officials about issues such as medical research, government entitlement programs, and rising prescription costs, that can greatly impact those with MS. Additionally, Jackson is a volunteer member of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital's Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC). She lends her voice and shares ideas to assist the hospital in continuing its excellence in patient care and community outreach.
Seeing a dream realized, Jackson is the published author of Thirteen, a captivating memoir that shares gritty details of dealing with her present, yet volatile father and how she survived to becoming the woman she is today. Receiving critical reviews such as "Heartbreakingly, brave", "Raw storytelling" and "Unapologetically graphic", Thirteen became required reading for students at Mount Saint Mary's University. Jackson was invited to share key elements of her book and engaged the students in a robust Q&A session. Additionally, she is an endorsed speaker for "Survivor Speaks" events held by a local, domestic violence non-profit and shares her "Memoirs in 3D" writing style as well as "Remove the Veil of Shame" motivational talks to varying audiences.
Currently, Jackson is working on multiple writing projects; a companion book to Thirteen, a fictional, romance drama and a compilation of her poetry, all of which she endeavors to have published in the near future. When not writing or otherwise engaged with the community, EJ loves spending time with family and friends, cooking, watching documentaries and listening to music.
