Hello! I am Jackie Heim

My journey is one of resilience, growth, and determination. As a former high school dropout and a young parent, I faced challenges early on but never let them define my future. When my eldest was just two years old, I decided to earn my GED, setting the foundation for a better life. Together, we celebrated milestones in 2012: I graduated with an Associate in Arts and Sciences from IVCC, and my child graduated from preschool.

Our next chapter took us to Normal, Illinois, where I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in TESOL at Illinois State University. Along the way, I met my incredible partner, and we built a beautiful family, welcoming twin boys. During my junior year, financial constraints led me to take a pause from my studies and accept a management role at the restaurant where I worked. It was a necessary step to support my family and focus on my career.

In 2020, the pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, leaving me at a crossroads in my professional life. But sometimes, the hardest moments spark the most profound changes. Answering a simple Facebook ad for a free class through the YWCA of McLean County turned out to be a life-changing decision. The STRIVE program not only refined my existing skills but also introduced me to entrepreneurial and business principles. It was here that I began shaping my dream of an agritourism farm—a place to cultivate a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Inspired and reenergized, I returned to Illinois State University in January 2022 with a renewed sense of purpose, switching majors to better align with my goals. In the fall of that year, I founded Cannabis Club Redbirds, a student organization designed to empower individuals interested in the emerging cannabis industry. Today, the club boasts over 100 members and continues to thrive even after my graduation in May 2024.

Through it all, I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to rise stronger. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the incredible things we can achieve when we believe in our dreams.

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