Building Confidence Through Life’s Challenges: Jessica Feldman’s Journey

Being Caucasian in Hawaii was complicated, and kids at school called me “Haole,” a term I didn’t fully understand.
My mother explained that it was never okay for anyone to treat me differently because of my skin color. She shared the history of Hawaii and the lasting impact of colonial invasions, helping me understand the context behind the unkind words and actions of others. Even so, my young mind was full of questions: Why am I being treated this way? When will I make real friends? What does history have to do with me?

Early Lessons in Equality and Self-Worth

All humans begin developing self-confidence from birth. Feeling loved, safe, and valued is essential. My mother, a free-spirited woman, instilled in my brothers and me the belief that all humans are equal. Despite her guidance, school life was often harsh. One sunny afternoon in preschool, a boy threw rocks at me while yelling “Haole.” That was my first encounter with bullying.
Through therapy and my mother’s encouragement, I began learning how to navigate these challenges. My mother reminded me that being unique was a gift, and that my worth wasn’t defined by the opinions of others.

Navigating Adult Challenges: Workplace Bullying

In my early twenties, I faced a work environment where my supervisor, Caroline, constantly criticized me. She would comment on my clothing and dismiss my work, leaving me feeling inadequate and anxious. Her behavior reminded me of my stepdad, who often used humor in a way that felt demeaning.
I struggled to maintain my confidence while navigating a professional setting where I felt undervalued and scrutinized. At the time, resources for building confidence weren’t as accessible. I relied on the tools my therapist had given me, but adapting them to adult life proved challenging.

Understanding the Behavior of Authority Figures

I realized that people who are overly critical often have unprocessed internal struggles. Understanding this helped me separate my self-worth from someone else’s behavior. Over time, I learned to build inner confidence, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate professional and personal relationships with clarity and resilience.

Turning Personal Struggles Into Purpose

My personal journey led me to create SHE Thrives Enterprise, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women’s confidence, career growth, and rights. Through this platform, I help women navigate challenges like workplace bullying, gender inequality, and societal pressures.
Our mission is to close the wage gap, support women in leadership, and provide resources that cultivate inner strength and resilience. We provide tools, workshops, and educational materials to empower women to thrive, no matter the obstacles they face.

Resources for Building Gender Confidence

SHE Thrives Enterprise offers a range of tools to help women develop confidence and navigate challenging environments:

• Free eBooks and workbooks designed to build emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and self-confidence.

• Mentorship programs pairing experienced women with those seeking guidance.

• Workshops and webinars on workplace communication, assertiveness, and mental wellness.

• Community support for women to share experiences, receive guidance, and celebrate achievements.
  These resources help women transform personal challenges into opportunities for growth and empowerment.

Why Supporting Women Matters

Empowering women creates stronger communities and workplaces. Women who feel confident and supported are more likely to lead effectively, advocate for equitable workplaces, mentor others, and achieve financial independence.
SHE Thrives Enterprise emphasizes that confidence is a skill that can be cultivated. By providing education, mentorship, and support, we help women realize their full potential.

Confidence Is a Journey

My journey from a young girl navigating bullying in Hawaii to founding SHE Thrives Enterprise has been filled with lessons in resilience, self-worth, and empowerment. Life presents challenges, but building inner confidence equips us to face them with grace and strength.
At SHE Thrives Enterprise, our mission is to provide women and girls with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive. Your confidence, voice, and achievements matter. Together, we can create a world where women feel empowered, valued, and unstoppable.