When Serendipity Spins the Turntable of Supporting Women - Meeting Jackie “Danza” Onan
Jo Rawald • November 25, 2024
From Financial Plans to Dance Floor Jams!
Sometimes life throws you a curveball, but instead of dodging, you catch it and turn it into a disco ball. That’s exactly how I felt today after a chance phone call with Jackie “Danza”—a DJ, financial wizard, and overall powerhouse of a woman.
Here’s how it went down => I’ve been coordinating a 130+ guest Awards Gala/Masquerade Ball (purely as a friendly gesture, mind you—I am not, now, or have ever worked as an event planner). When the time came to book a DJ, I was referred to Jackie Danza. The moment we started talking, it was like meeting a kindred spirit—someone who "gets it" in the way only another ambitious, goal-crushing woman can.
The Call That Turned into a Connection
After covering the event details and giving Jackie the verbal thumbs-up, she hit me with a question => “Do you own a production company or event planning business, Jo?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Nope! I’m just handling this Gala ass an act of kindness for a friend. You know, because running my own business and coaching ambitious women full-time isn’t enough excitement.” <tongue-in-cheek>
Naturally, Jackie was curious. “Then what do you do for work?”
When I explained that I’m a Business Strategist for Ambitious Women, her reaction was everything—part intrigue, part delight, and a sprinkle of serendipity. She sounded like the universe had just connected two puzzle pieces it had been holding onto for way too long.
From Turntables to Wealth Tables
Turns out, Jackie isn’t just spinning records; she’s, Jackie Onan, a Wealth Planner, spinning financial lives into shape, too. By day, she’s a financial planner with 17 years of experience at a global firm under her belt. But at night (and at a few fabulous events), she’s Jackie Danza, DJ extraordinaire.
Her DJ business started as a passion project. “I love music,” she told me. “It brings people together. Kind of like us today.” And she’s absolutely right—music does have this incredible way of creating connections.
But don’t let the turntables fool you; Jackie is just as passionate about empowering women in her "day job." She recently left the corporate world to start her own financial planning business focused on what she calls “healthy wealth.” Her mission? Helping women design financial portfolios that create balance for their wealth to create optimal health.
I mean, is this woman amazing or what?
Let’s Talk About the Stats
Jackie’s story is inspiring, but sadly, stories like hers aren’t as common as they should be. Women own nearly 40% of all businesses in the U.S., yet we’re still fighting for our fair share of resources.
Here’s a stat that makes me shake my head every time - Only 4% of venture capital funding goes to women-owned businesses. Four percent! That’s barely enough to buy a cup of coffee at one of the many women-owned cafes trying to keep their lights on.
Despite the odds, women-owned businesses employ over $12.2 million people and generate $2.7 trillion annually. TRILLION. We’re clearly out here making magic happen, but imagine what we could do with more support from each other and the broader community.
How You Can Show Up for Women Entrepreneurs
Here’s the deal => supporting women-owned businesses doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a cape or a megaphone (though both sound fun). Here are a few simple ways you can make a big difference:
1. Shop Women-Owned -
Next time you’re buying a gift, booking a service, or even just grabbing lunch, seek out businesses owned by women.
2. Hype Them Up -
Share their posts, leave a review, or tag your friends in their business profiles. Trust me, your kind words mean more than you
know.
3. Collaborate -
Partner with other women in your industry. Two heads are better than one, especially when those heads are fueled by ambition
and caffeine.
4. Invest in Their Services -
Need a financial planner who understands your dreams and struggles? Call Jackie. Need a business coach who’ll
make you laugh while helping you hit your goals? You know where to find me.
Why It All Matters
Let’s get real for a second. Women like Jackie—and like you, if you’re reading this—are changing the game. Whether it’s through music, money management, or masterminding a business plan, we’re proving that women can and will lead the way.
But here’s the thing - we’re stronger together. Every dollar, every word of encouragement, every collaboration makes a difference. It’s not just about building businesses; it’s about building a community of women who lift each other up, one bold move at a time.
What’s Next for Jackie and Me?
Jackie will be spinning the tunes at the Gala, bringing her magic to the dance floor. And me? I’ll be cheering her on, just as I’m sure she’ll be cheering on the women she helps through her financial planning.
This Awards Gala/Masquerade Ball might be the reason we connected, but it’s clear to me that our paths were meant to cross. After all, when women come together—whether it’s through business, music, or a chance phone call—the results are nothing short of extraordinary.
Your Turn - How are you showing up for women entrepreneurs? Let’s swap ideas in the comments, support one another, and keep the magic going. Because when one woman wins, we all win. 💪✨
I went to a networking event yesterday at Rosie’s Bar & Grill in Wilton Manors. Tropical-chic to the max. You know the kind of place - upscale casual, strong cocktails, mandatory valet. Now usually, I’m all about valet. But not yesterday. I wasn’t there to sip martinis or hang around all night. I could only stay for 20-minutes. That means - I was on a serious 20-minute mission: say hi, shake hands, peace out. Then, get back in my car to jump on a Zoom meeting! I certainly wasn’t about to drop $20 just to park my car for 20 minutes. No way! I pulled into the valet area, looked the guy dead in the eye, and said, “I’ll be in and out faster than your last relationship. Can I just park it right here?” And bless his heart - he said yes. Honestly, that should’ve been my win for the night. But then I met Sean Gac-Guerrier. Sean’s the Marketing Director at Excel Title, Inc. We started talking about dogs - and **cue the angels singing. We clicked instantly. Not two strangers meeting, more like two childhood friends who hadn’t seen each other in a decade! Sean showed me a photo of his dog, Dottie. I pulled out pics of my girl, Adelaide. Then he pulled out a photo of Dottie that stopped me in my tracks. Sean had a photo of what Dottie would look like as a human. Not a cartoon. Not a filter. I’m talking AI-generated, fully humanized, real-world, cardigan-wearing, intelligent-and-intimidating Dottie. I was mesmerized! It was as if Pixar and the FBI teamed up to design her. I looked at Adelaide’s pic… then looked back at Sean… and blurted out, “I need to humanize my dog!!” And I did. I went home, found the exact AI prompt, uploaded Adelaide’s photo, answered a few fun questions about her personality, and style - then… BOOM. Human Adelaide was born. Tall, lean, cozy-chic, with that unmistakable “don’t-mess-with-me-but-I’ll-still-hug-you” vibe. She looked like she ran Homeland Security and still had time for tacos and espresso martinis on a rooftop. Honestly? I stared at the image for like five minutes. Because it wasn’t just about making something cute. It was about seeing something familiar - something you know - come to life in a new way. Here’s the AI Prompt if you want to try it yourself:
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Too many women are stuck in the hustle—working nonstop, solving the same problems, and barely seeing the return.
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Read it. Apply it. Start making smart money moves →
👉 https://siteeditor.thryv.com/home/site/c8e9f361/blog/if-your-business-feels-like-a-hot-mess-its-costing-you-money#preview
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Let’s fix that.
I’m giving you the tools to:
💰 Price like a pro
📊 Package for profit
🎯 Sell with strategy
Read it, bookmark it, share it with your business BFFs →
👉 www.jorawald.com/youre-leaving-money-on-the-table-lets-fix-that
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This blog is your wake-up call to get crystal clear, magnetic, and straight-up undeniable.
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📢 Clarify your offer
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Because your next client isn’t on the fence—they’re just unsure if you are the answer. Fix that here →
👉 www.jorawald.com/the-right-clients-should-be-coming-to-you-theyre-watching-but-do-they-know-what-you-do
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If you’re overcomplicating your client process, trying to “do it all,” or feel like coaching is starting to drain you… this blog is your game-changer.
Inside, I break down:
🔥 The shift that simplified everything
🎯 How I get faster results (without burning out)
💡 What most coaches get totally wrong
If you’re a coach or service provider who’s doing the most and getting the least—read this NOW.
👉 www.jorawald.com/this-one-zoom-call-changed-how-i-coached-forever
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It’s time to change that.
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💰 Why profit has to come first
🛠️ What to fix if your sales are flat
🎯 How to stop playing business and start running one
This one’s a tough-love truth bomb—with the strategy to back it up.
👉 www.jorawald.com/if-your-business-isnt-making-money-you-have-an-exhausting-hobby
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Nope. Not in this business.
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Here’s what I realized (and what you need to hear):
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Don’t miss this one—it’s a mindset reset wrapped in fur.
👉 www.jorawald.com/the-lesson-i-didnt-expect-at-the-dog-park