Jami Hood
Working for the district attorney might not seem like a big deal to some, but it is for Jami. That’s because she’s working for the same district attorney who prosecuted her for three felonies less than a decade ago.
What makes you feel proud?
Watching my daughter do well in her life. Gaining my own financial independence and moving forward in my own life. I am a recovering addict, teen mom and have a criminal record. I have eight years of continuous sobriety, my paralegal degree, I graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a 4.0, I also received my high school diploma after giving birth to my daughter. So while I hit every stereotype, I also defy every one of them too. I refuse to be what anyone else says I am.
Who is the biggest influence in your life? Why?
My close-knit support circle. I take parts from the few who are the closest to me. My daughter’s ability to be fearlessly herself, my Mother’s loyalty and unconditional love without guilt, my in-laws’ great financial sense, my husband’s zest for life.
“…while I hit every stereotype, I also defy every one of them too. I refuse to be what anyone else says I am.”
One year from today, how do you hope you’re different?
I want to have more patience with myself and to have spent more time enjoying the life I have built.
What’s the single biggest problem you’d like to solve in your community?
Resources for juveniles to get substance abuse help.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
Acceptance is not approval.
Jami is one of 100 women we have featured in the inaugural issue of Hundred Magazine. To learn more about her and the other 99 women, buy the issue.
