Full name: Rolanda Gayle Harrell Jackson Young
(I know that last name “Young” surprised you. I recently remarried last year and my husband’s name is Vince Young. Yes, the professional football player (Quarterback for Tennessee Titans)– just kidding! But I do get asked that question all the time. Once we were at the Beau Rivage and I was looking for Vince. A security guard asked if he could help me. I said yes, I am looking for my husband – His name is Vince Young and he plays Black Jack. All of a sudden he’s on the radio and before I know my husband comes down the isle looking at me, like I am crazy. The security guard had put out a major search for “Vince Young”. I was happy to see my husband. But the staff at the Rivage were not!)
Title: President/CEO
Company: Precision Title of Louisiana
Age: I am a girl, you shouldn’t ask that – 44 and lovin’ it.
Hometown: Baton Rouge
Why do you do what you do?
Because I am on a mission to empower people, especially women. Working to help others is my calling.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Being chosen by my peers to receive the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Women’s Policy Leadership “Women Helping Women” Award in 2003 for my work in the area of domestic violence
What was your first job?
Cleaning dirty bathrooms at my dad’s gas/service station.
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Know what you don’t know.
Who do you most admire in the local business community and why?
Richard Ieyoub. I worked for him as an Assistant Attorney General. He is like me; committed to helping battered and abused women. Richard and I co-founded a nationally renowned Domestic Violence in the Workplace Program training employers how to address domestic violence when it comes to work. It is really powerful when a man stands up and says “domestic violence” is wrong… that has a real impact!
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
Being a stay at home mom. What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you've overcome? The greatest personal obstacle and professional obstacle was the death of my father Rev. Roosevelt Harrell Sr. – he was my friend, my Pastor, my business mentor and my love.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
That I would have always made God first in my life.
What is your prescription for life?
Learn to forgive. It keeps you pure and whole.
What book are you currently reading?
David Bach’s The Automatic Millionaire.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be? (Authors? Leaders?)
Angelina Jolie, Joel and Victoria Osteen.
Who would play you in a movie?
Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich.
What do you do to unwind?
Watch cartoons.
What is the most expensive purchase you've made for yourself?
I would answer this, but it’s a secret from my husband. After all a lady has to have some privacy.
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Hanging out with my cool 8-year-old son Nicholas.
What's your theme song?
Marvin Gay and Tammi Terrell “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”
What's your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
The Chimes and it has been since 1992! Go Chimes!
How do you take your coffee/tea?
No coffee for me. Herbal Tea – never sweet.
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Band?
The Color Purple. TV Show – Snapped. Band – The Gap Band.
What is your favorite gadget?
My laptop.
What is something that you can't live without?
God’s favor and blessings…. And crab bisque from Uncle O’s—which is one of God’s greatest blessings!
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
Traffic.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
That we grow to become a city that realizes the strength that lies in embracing our unique heritage and culture diversity.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
The lack of support of the entire community in educating our children. But I have chosen to be a part of the solution. I have my son enrolled in public school, where we are active parents. You can’t help being on the outside, so we joined ranks with Charlotte Placide!
Comments
Posted by dotwirth on October 8, 2007 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gayle,
I forwarded this story to the WCGBR webmaster. It's great to see you're still empowering women!
Congratulations!
Dot
Posted by tanyafree1 on October 22, 2007 at 5:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Gayle,
I am always so proud to see you fulfilling your purpose, building associations out in the community or through your business. No matter where it is, I know you are making a difference for others. As I read the comments, it only reminded me of your qualities as a leader, your authenticity and encouraging personality.
Thank you for giving your time to us in the community, and always imparting hope. May you continue to be a blessing to others, and a light throughout our community and our state.
Sincerely,
Tanya Freeman
Posted by Persistent2 on November 6, 2007 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Gayle,
You are truly an inspiration to all women and I commend you on your successful journey. I have been following stories of you for the last two or three years and I must say that you have truly touched my heart with all that you do for the community. I know that your success is a result of putting God first in your life.. Continued success to you.
Carol Darville-Gonzales, La.
Posted by CColeman on November 7, 2007 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It would make my year to just to have lunch with you. I have a great mentor. To have you as a mentor would be speechless. I love your charm and charisma. If one day I could be a wonderful business woman like you,I would have reached my goal. I wish you much more success and one day hope to see you at the top of the mountain.
Cicely Coleman
27
cicelycc@yahoo.com
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