A Heart of Gold: Ja’nister Herring’s Story
- Nailah Herbert
- Sep 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 12
When Ja’nister Herring reflects on her life, she sums up her current chapter with a phrase that carries both triumph and grit: “Queen, you got this.”
Her story is one of perseverance, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to using her gifts to uplift others. What brought her to Charleston was not just a professional opportunity; it was a calling. She accepted a major role with a global company, uprooting herself from familiar ground to build a new life in a city she had long admired.
“I feel a relief that I made it through the storm and I can talk about it at this point,” Ja’nister shares. “Being vulnerable and telling my story has given me clarity. I know that my future is bright, and I am in control of my own narrative.”
A Servant Leader at Heart
For more than 25 years, Ja’nister has poured herself into board service and nonprofit work, beginning with organizations that supported at-risk girls. She speaks from lived experience, once standing in their shoes and now serving as a guide to remind them that a brighter path exists.
“I was once an at-risk girl. With the support and guidance I had from others, I was able to reach the goals I dreamed of. Now, I can be that person for someone else.”
That spirit of service has been consistent throughout her journey. Whether leading in boardrooms, mentoring in her community, or contributing to nonprofits, Ja’nister views herself as a tree—rooted, growing, and offering shade to others.
“I want to be remembered as a servant leader. Someone who can get into the details, operate at a high level, but most importantly, someone who changes lives. I believe everyone deserves to thrive.”
Faith, Resilience, and Never Giving Up
Ja’nister does not shy away from her struggles. She recalls moments of hardship as a Black woman, a single parent, and someone navigating divorce. Times when life felt like a relentless uphill battle.
“There was a time I wanted to give up,” she admits. “But with prayer and support, I realized my purpose was not finished. I knew I needed to stay. That’s why I throw myself into
nonprofits because I know what it feels like to need help.”
Her empathy runs deep, but so does her authenticity. “What you see is what you get,” she says. It’s this mix of vulnerability, faith, and action that continues to inspire those around her.
Building Bridges in Business and Technology
Beyond her nonprofit work, Ja’nister has built a remarkable career in technology, with over 30 years in the industry and 15 years specializing in project management and data analytics. Her company focuses on helping organizations operate more efficiently through data-driven decision-making.
“I serve as a bridge between business and technology,” she explains. “Their languages are often different, but I help align them so they can work together to meet requirements and deliver real solutions.”
Recently, she made a bold move by relocating her business to the City of Charleston's Entrepreneur Resource Center. The choice was intentional, anchoring her business in the heart of the community she serves.
“We’re creating workshops to teach people about data and AI,” she says with pride. “This is about making knowledge accessible and preparing our community for the future.”
Living the Legacy
From her grandfather’s example of faith and giving to her own resilience in overcoming personal trials, Ja’nister embodies what it means to live a life of service, authenticity, and action.
Her words leave no doubt about her mission: “Knowing that I can make a difference drives me every day. If people can tell stories about how I impacted their lives, and it brings them joy, that means I did what I was called to do.”
In a city still shaping its identity, voices like Ja’nister Herring’s remind us that Charleston’s strength lies not only in its history but in the servant leaders who continue to plant seeds for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Comments