Jazmynn Appleton is a champion for Black women entrepreneurs | MADISON MAGAZINE

The tipping of one domino often creates a cascade of events that changes the outcome of our lives. For Jazmynn Appleton, it was losing her job at a credit union in 2021.

In search of a new job, and with an interest in nonprofits, entrepreneurship and community engagement, Appleton found herself at the doors of the Progress Center for Black Women, helmed by Sabrina Madison. Madison offered her a job as the creator of entrepreneurial opportunities, and Appleton’s life has never been the same.

As the chief director of entrepreneurial growth and innovation for the Progress Center, Appleton spends her days supporting Black women and entrepreneurs. For the first time ever, Appleton has a Black boss and a work schedule that gives her flexibility as a single mom. Not worrying about child care has reduced her stress and provides the mental space to focus on other tasks. 

At the Progress Center, Appleton meets one-on-one with entrepreneurs to talk about their goals and connect them with resources. She hosts networking events and workshops on marketing, taxes, human resource issues and more. Equally important, Appleton and the Progress Center at large foster an environment that helps women connect with each other and feel a strong sense of community.

“I feel like community is very important, especially for the people we serve, because the people who reach out to us tend to lack an overall support system,” Appleton says. “Or just being in Madison, and unfortunately with it not having a huge population of Black women, [the Progress Center] gives them a safe place to connect with others who look like them — to give them that representation and also provide resources that are lacking at home or in their workplace.”

Appleton’s work has raised awareness and directly contributed to boosting profits and expanding opportunities for Black women business owners, says Madison, who nominated Appleton. “By facilitating connections with new clientele, collaborators and partners, Jazmynn helps these entrepreneurs accomplish their goals effectively.”

Appleton’s work has elevated countless Black women, but she has also developed her personal and professional skills by saying “yes” to opportunities outside her comfort zone. Recently, she added public speaking to her repertoire of unexpected passions after serving as a panelist at several events and conferences. On the side, she also hosts Networking for Introverts workshops — an idea born from her struggles with networking and the skills she learned by networking and hosting events for the Progress Center. Doing something before you know you’re good at it is a fear that blocks so many people from expanding their horizons, she says.

“Fear of not being perfect at something has hindered me from a lot of opportunities in the past, and so has having social anxiety,” Appleton says. “But I’ve realized that every time I put myself out there, it ends up being the most rewarding experience. I have a great time and I get more opportunities out of it. You learn more about yourself when you put yourself out there.”

Shelby Rowe Moyer is a contributing writer at Madison Magazine.

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