With a passion to advocate for oppressed populations despaired from quality resources to overcome adversities, Dr. Jayco "Jay" McCowan knew that she had to be progressive and intentional in developing an innovative platform to make effective change and address challenges in the Black  and other minority communities.  As a survivor, Dr. McCowan  noticed  a scarcity in resources and tools that were relatable to communities of color. Dr. McCowan always paid it forward by inspiring individuals dealing with challenging circumstances to push forward in turning adversities into victories of regaining one's peace and perseverance.  Subsequently, from Dr. McCowan's vision, And I Stand was created as a hub to help bridge the gap in obtaining effective resources to include four major challenges that affect communities of color. 

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Dr. McCowan has over 15+ years of professional experience from diverse industries holding various positions.  Dr. McCowan holds a doctorate in business administration, is a certified  HR scholar, and a lean six sigma black belt professional. Dr. McCowan was named as one of the 2022 Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 honorees, recognized as the 2020  Houston Area Zeta Phi Beta Centennial Scholarship Recipient,  acknowledged as a 2019 HYPE Impact Award  Business Leader Nominee, selected as a 2018 -2019 member of the FBISD Board of Trustee Academy Cohort, and was recognized by executive leaders as a 2017 University of Texas Medical Branch Emerging Leader. In addition, she leads and is a member of several service/professional organizations (Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated; NAACP, Houston Area Urban League, SHRM etc.),  and play a key role as a social action leader /mentor in the community she serves. 

The quote she lives by is as follows: 

"The sky is not the limit, there is no limit in what you can do. You have to believe and manifest in your destiny."- Dr. McCowan