HOST JACKIE TANTILLO - "You Can Do Anything, You Can Achieve Anything, If You Work Hard Enough" with Guest Human Rights Attorney And CAO Of REFORM Alliance Jessica Jackson

<p>It was a pleasure to speak with Jessica and listen as she shared  all that she experienced as a high school drop out and single mother with a husband behind bars.   This major turning point in her life,  motivated her to complete her GED as well as complete college and law school, with honors, in order to help those similarly unfamiliar with the way the criminal justice system works. </p><p>When you hear the compelling stories about both  Jessica and her mother, you'll say, 'the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.'   Both women have been working tirelessly for decades in order to educate victims and their family members,  as well as inform  society to be more compassionate and aware and to update the parole and probation system.</p><p>Resilience is one of the words that Jessica uses over and over again when describing her mother Maria who is originally from  Stockholm, Sweden.  Jessica also describes her mom as "a pioneer in her field." Very early on in the AIDS epidemic, Maria was involved with helping patients and their families maneuver the scary waters of a frightening disease.  While in graduate school, Maria brought her days old daughter Jessica with her to class.  Jessica went where ever her mother took her, to HIV/Aids conferences, seminars, etc. "She showed us"  says Jessica, when referring to her mother, "by her actions, not her words, on how to live life." Jessica was adamant about how her mom had a "show them, don't tell them" philosophy about life. In other words, Maria was an  example by her actions, not her words. Jessica reflects, "I never once saw my mom give up."</p><p>Again, the parallels between mother and daughter are striking, Maria working with HIV/AIDS patients and Jessica with people in prison. Again, those whose lives were turned upside down, found a smart, caring and devoted women to make a difference in these unfortunate individuals lives.</p><p>When Kim Kardashian West wanted tutoring in law once aware of wrongfully incarcerated first time offenders, she went to Jessica Jackson f