Women’s History Month Feature
PaSH Magazine is celebrating Women’s History Month with a Q&A style mini-series highlighting women from many different industries making an impact in the world, their communities and for themselves. In this Q&A we will spend time with Valerie Denise Jones.
Meet Valerie Denise Jones
Valerie Denise Jones is an award-winning filmmaker and visual storyteller whose work moves fluidly between narrative film, documentary, and high-impact vertical content. Her storytelling is marked by cinematic precision and cultural truth, centering stories of identity, power, faith, and transformation with emotional clarity and visual discipline.
A former Ebony Fashion Fair model, Jones began her career on an international stage, working throughout Europe and appearing in global beauty, fashion, and jewelry campaigns. Her work has been featured in Ebony, Essence, JET, and international publications. This foundation in modeling and media sharpened her understanding of performance, image, and audience psychology—elements that now anchor her directorial voice.
Beyond film, Jones has worked as an on-air radio personality, producer, and media consultant, experiences that continue to shape her command of narrative rhythm, interview dynamics, and audience engagement. She is recognized for directing with intention—balancing artistry with strategy, and visual beauty with meaning.
Jones continues to develop award-recognized film projects while expanding her presence in short-form and vertical filmmaking, bringing a refined visual language and storytelling intelligence to every platform she touches.
Women’s History Month is a time to reflect on progress and possibility. What does being a woman in the entertainment industry mean to you today?
Being a woman in the entertainment industry today means recognizing both how far we’ve come and how intentional we still have to be about our presence. As a woman of color, I’m very aware that the ability to tell our own stories — from behind the camera as directors, producers, and creators — is something generations before us fought hard to make possible.
For me, working in film and media isn’t just about visibility, it’s about authorship. It’s about making sure our voices, our experiences, and our perspectives are not filtered through someone else’s lens. The stories we create today will shape how people understand this moment in history.
“For women of color in film, storytelling is more than art — it’s authorship. When we control the narrative, we preserve our truth and shape the history others will one day study.”
Women’s History Month is a reminder that progress doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because women continue to step forward, claim their space, and create work that reflects truth, complexity, and resilience.
As a filmmaker, I see storytelling as both responsibility and opportunity — a chance to honor the women who paved the way while also making sure the next generation of women, especially women of color, see themselves as creators, leaders, and architects of culture.
Who is a woman who inspired your journey in entertainment, and what impact did she have on the way you approach your work?
Two women shaped my journey in entertainment — my mother, Jean D. Jones, and Eunice W. Johnson.
My mother was my first champion. She took me to castings, encouraged every step I took, and stood behind every decision I made in my career — the good and the difficult ones. Her courage, enthusiasm, and unwavering belief in me gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities I might have otherwise been afraid to take. Even though she is no longer here, her voice and support still guide the way I approach my work.
“My mother gave me the courage to step forward, and Eunice W. Johnson showed me what was possible once I did.”
Eunice W. Johnson was my “she-ro.” My mother subscribed to her magazines and proudly wore Ebony Fashion Fair cosmetics, so imagine my excitement when I later became Beauty of the Week, appeared in the pages of Johnson Publishing magazines, and became one of the faces of her makeup campaigns. That moment connected my dreams to the legacy of a woman who created space for so many others.
Because of these two women, I approach every opportunity with gratitude and responsibility. I never take the moment for granted, and I always give more than is expected — because I know whose footsteps made my path possible.
Was there a pivotal moment in your career that changed the trajectory of your path or helped you step fully into your purpose?
Yes. The most pivotal moments in my career were tied to love and loss.
I lost my father when I was only 19 years old. My mother stood beside me through that grief and helped me find the strength to keep moving forward. I had even dreamed of my father’s passing before it happened, and that moment changed how I looked at life and purpose. After his death, I stepped fully into the entertainment industry — working in radio, music videos, film, commercials, and television. Along the way, a mentor figure in my life, my boyfriend’s father at the time, shared life lessons that shaped my discipline and professionalism. Those lessons eventually opened doors for me to work with some of my heroes, including motivational speaker Les Brown.
“When my mother and grandmother passed in the same year, I stepped away from the industry — but their love is the very reason I found my way back.”
But the moment that truly changed my path came years later, when I lost two of the most important women in my life — my mother and my grandmother, Mae King — in the same year. My grandmother was another woman I deeply admired, a true “she-ro” in my life. Losing them both was a grief I could not ignore. For a time, I stepped away from the entertainment industry completely.
Eventually, I found my way back through podcasting alongside a well-known television judge. What started as conversation quickly grew into something powerful — our work went viral more than ten times, reaching major radio stations, blogs, and social media platforms. That experience reminded me that storytelling was still part of my purpose.
Today, everything I create carries the influence of the women who raised and shaped me. Their love, strength, and belief in me are the reasons I continue to tell stories at all.
Looking back at your journey so far, what milestone are you most proud of achieving?
One of the milestones I’m most proud of has nothing to do with awards or headlines — it’s about honoring my mother.
“The greatest milestone in my journey isn’t fame — it’s knowing my mother’s name continues to live on through the things I create.”
After she passed away from cancer, I organized a charity run for cancer survivors. Even though my mom didn’t survive the disease, her name was still part of the event’s branding. The moment that touched me the most was seeing runners wearing shirts with my mother’s name printed across the back. Watching people run in her honor filled me with a kind of pride and gratitude that’s hard to describe.
I also had the opportunity to collaborate on a short campaign for a celebrity mother’s jewelry line. I wore a beautiful pink sapphire during the campaign and suggested that she name the stone “Geenie,” after my mother. She did — and that small gesture meant the world to me. It felt like my mother’s name was continuing to shine in places she never imagined.
Those moments reminded me that legacy isn’t just about career success — it’s about love, remembrance, and making sure the people who shaped us are never forgotten.
What is one obstacle you’ve faced as a woman in this industry that you believe your male counterparts may not experience in the same way?
One of the most difficult obstacles I’ve faced in this industry has been colorism and same-sex discrimination. It’s heartbreaking when the challenge doesn’t come from outside the room, but from within it. As a woman of a darker hue, there were moments in my modeling career when opportunities I had worked hard to earn were quietly undermined by other women of color who believed I didn’t deserve to succeed in certain spaces.
What made it particularly painful is that some of these were women I had helped along the way — women I supported in booking major ad campaigns who later turned against me. Their reasoning often came down to colorism, a painful reality that still exists in parts of the industry.
“The hardest obstacle isn’t always breaking into the room — sometimes it’s surviving the divisions inside it.”
Men certainly compete with each other, but I’ve often observed that they are also more likely to support one another’s advancement. When women — especially women of color — divide themselves, it weakens the very progress we’re all fighting for.
That experience taught me resilience, but it also strengthened my belief that our real power lies in collaboration, not competition.
The entertainment industry has evolved significantly over the years. In what ways have you seen opportunities for women expand, and where do you believe more progress is still needed?
“For years women were the face of the story. Today we’re finally becoming the authors of it.”
Over the years, I’ve seen a meaningful shift in where women are positioned in the entertainment industry. When I first entered the field through modeling and media, women were often celebrated for how we looked, but far fewer of us were given the opportunity to shape the creative vision behind the scenes. Today, more women are stepping into roles as directors, producers, writers, and executives — which means we’re no longer just appearing in stories, we’re helping decide how those stories are told.
I’ve also seen the rise of independent platforms, digital media, and podcasting open doors that once depended on traditional gatekeepers. Those tools have allowed many women, including myself, to create work on our own terms and reach audiences directly.
That said, progress is still uneven. Women — particularly women of color — are still underrepresented in positions where the real power sits: financing, distribution, and long-term ownership of projects. True progress will come when women are not only present in the industry, but consistently trusted with the authority to greenlight stories, control budgets, and lead creative teams.
The opportunity is growing, but the responsibility now is to make sure those doors stay open for the women coming behind us.
How do you stay grounded and maintain your creative voice in an industry that often tries to shape narratives and expectations?
“When your foundation is faith and discipline, the industry can influence your work — but it can’t define your voice.”
To stay grounded in an industry that constantly tries to shape who you should be, I’ve learned that you have to first know whose voice you’re listening to. For me, that begins with faith. I’m a God-fearing woman, and prayer and quiet reflection help me stay centered when the noise of the industry gets loud. Those moments of stillness remind me that my purpose isn’t defined by trends, opinions, or expectations — it’s guided by something deeper.
I also believe strongly in self-care and discipline. Meditation, protecting my time, and being intentional about how I spend my energy allows me to stay clear creatively. When you manage your time well, you create space to think, to reflect, and to make decisions that align with your values rather than reacting to pressure.
That balance keeps my creative voice honest. Instead of chasing what the industry says is popular, I focus on telling stories that feel truthful and meaningful. When your foundation is faith, self-awareness, and respect for your own boundaries, it becomes much easier to create work that reflects who you really are.
What role has mentorship or community played in your career, and how important is it for women to support other women in entertainment?
“Every woman needs a coach who will tell her the truth — and every woman deserves a circle of women who remind her she belongs in the room.”
Mentorship and community have played an essential role in my journey. One of the mentors who has impacted me deeply is Tiea Whitaker. She’s the kind of coach who tells the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable to hear. That kind of honesty is rare, but it’s necessary for growth. Everyone needs someone who can challenge them, hold them accountable, and remind them of their potential when they can’t see it themselves.
Throughout my career — from modeling to media and filmmaking — I’ve learned that no one truly succeeds alone. Behind every opportunity is a community of people who offer encouragement, guidance, or a hard truth at the right time. Mentorship provides perspective, and it helps you avoid mistakes that someone else has already learned from.
I also strongly believe that women must support other women in this industry. Sometimes, when you walk into certain rooms, another woman may be the only familiar face you see. In those moments, that connection matters. Support doesn’t weaken competition — it strengthens the entire community.
When women uplift one another, we expand the space for all of us to succeed. And in an industry that often tries to divide us, that unity becomes one of our greatest sources of power.
What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue careers in film, music, producing, or other creative industries but may feel intimidated by the industry?
My advice to young women entering creative industries is simple: know your industry. Take the time to study it. Learn who the decision-makers are, understand how projects move from idea to execution, and figure out who you need to build relationships with along the way. Talent matters, but knowledge and preparation open doors.
Also, don’t try to do it alone. Find at least one person who truly understands who you are and believes in your vision. That kind of support can make all the difference when the journey feels overwhelming. One honest voice in your corner can help steady you when doubt creeps in.
I also encourage young women to create a vision board and study it daily. Visualizing your goals keeps you focused on where you’re going rather than the obstacles in front of you. Write things down. Take notes to get the ideas out of your head and onto paper so you can track your progress over time.
“Don’t let intimidation write your story — preparation, vision, and faith will always carry you further than fear.”
And remember — failure isn’t the opposite of success. Failure is part of the process. When you learn from it, it becomes one of the greatest teachers you’ll ever have.
The creative industry can be intimidating, but it also needs new voices and new perspectives. Stay grounded in who you are, stay disciplined about your goals, and never underestimate what persistence and faith can accomplish.
Representation matters. How important is it for you to see diverse stories and perspectives reflected in the projects you create or participate in?
Representation matters deeply to me because the stories we tell shape how people see themselves and how they see the world. I’ve always believed that the world is wide open with possibility, and I move through it fearlessly, knowing that what is meant for me is waiting for me. But I also understand that purpose requires action — dreams don’t survive if we ignore them.
That’s why diverse stories and perspectives are so important in the work I create and participate in. When people see themselves reflected in film, media, and storytelling, it validates their experiences and expands what they believe is possible for their own lives.
“The world is my playground, and every story I tell is a reminder that purpose has no limits and no boundaries.”
For me, storytelling isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about perspective and purpose. Every project is an opportunity to show that our voices, our cultures, and our journeys belong in the larger narrative of the world. When we embrace diverse stories, we’re not just adding representation — we’re honoring the many paths that lead people to discover who they are and why they’re here.
How do you balance creative passion with the business side of entertainment?
I often say I’m lucky, but the truth is I feel blessed. Since my teenage years, I’ve been able to work in the very industry I love — creating, performing, producing, and building opportunities along the way. It’s a rare gift to wake up every day and participate in a field that inspires you creatively while also allowing you to support your household, pursue your goals, and even help some of your family and friends move closer to their dreams.
“I’m blessed to work, play, and live in the same industry that fuels my passion — but passion alone doesn’t sustain a career, discipline does.”
Balancing creativity with the business side of entertainment comes down to understanding that both are equally important. Passion fuels the work, but discipline and strategy sustain the career. You have to respect the craft while also respecting the business — learning contracts, understanding partnerships, managing time, and being intentional about the opportunities you choose.
For me, creativity is the heart of what I do, but structure and responsibility are what allow that creativity to keep growing. When you approach the industry with both passion and professionalism, you create a career that can last — not just a moment.
Have there been moments when you had to advocate for yourself in a room where your voice wasn’t immediately heard? How did you navigate that?
“I believe God walks into the room before I do — my responsibility is simply to be prepared when I arrive.”
There have certainly been moments when my voice wasn’t immediately heard, but I’ve learned that preparation has a way of speaking for you. I approach every opportunity with the belief that if I’ve done the work beforehand, I don’t have to force my presence in the room — the results will eventually make it clear why I’m there.
I’m a strong advocate for the business side of show business. Many people are drawn to the spotlight, but I’ve always been just as interested in the strategy behind the scenes — the negotiations, the partnerships, and the decisions that shape real opportunities.
One moment that stands out involved negotiating two business deals for an NFL player I was dating at the time. His manager initially didn’t take my involvement very seriously, but the outcome spoke for itself. Both deals were successfully secured through the negotiations I handled. Afterward, the dynamic shifted, and while the manager may not have been thrilled about how things unfolded, the experience reinforced something important for me.
Sometimes advocacy doesn’t require the loudest voice in the room. It requires preparation, confidence in your abilities, and the patience to let your work speak for itself.
What is one misconception people often have about women working in entertainment?
“The misconception isn’t that women can’t handle the industry — it’s that people underestimate just how much we can.”
I usually say my answer to this question comes in two versions. One version isn’t exactly family-friendly, so I’ll leave that one where it belongs. The other version is a little more reflective.
One misconception I’ve seen over the years is the belief that women — particularly women who are nurturing or maternal by nature — aren’t built to handle certain parts of the entertainment industry, especially areas that are mechanical, technical, or traditionally male-dominated. There’s an assumption that those instincts somehow make us less capable of navigating the tougher or more strategic sides of the business.
But in my experience, that’s not the reality. Women are incredibly adaptable. The same instincts that make us nurturing also make us intuitive, strategic, and resilient. When a woman sets her mind to something, she can navigate complex environments, lead projects, negotiate deals, and solve problems just as effectively as anyone else in the room.
For me, the real issue has never been capability — it’s been perception. Once people move past that misconception, they often realize that women bring a level of perspective, discipline, and creativity that strengthens the entire industry.
As your career grows, what kind of legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of women in the industry?
“If I can do it, you can do it — whatever your ‘it’ may be.”
When I think about legacy, I think about something deeper than awards or recognition. We’re living in a time when so much of our future feels uncertain and many of the freedoms people once assumed would always be there are being questioned. Because of that, the legacy I hope to leave is something more internal — a digital and creative footprint that resonates spiritually and encourages people long after I’m gone.
My motto has always been simple: If I can do it, you can do it. No matter what your “it” is. I want the work I leave behind — whether it’s films, stories, or creative products — to be things people can share, laugh about, and learn from for years to come.
More than anything, I want the next generation of women to see possibilities where others once saw limitations. The children really are our future, and the stories we create today will shape how they see themselves tomorrow.
If my work helps even one young woman believe that her voice matters and that her dreams are worth pursuing, then I will feel that my legacy served its purpose.
If you could change one thing about the entertainment industry to make it more equitable for women, what would it be?
“Women don’t need permission to lead anymore — the shift is already happening, and it can’t be stopped.”
If I’m being honest, I’m not sure I would change anything right now — because the change is already visible. Women have discovered their “IT” factor — their superpower, their purpose, their voice. And once that kind of awareness takes hold, it becomes unstoppable.
For generations, women fought to be seen and heard in this industry. Today, I see women stepping into leadership, creativity, ownership, and influence in ways that feel powerful and undeniable. Because of that, it would almost feel like an injustice for me to suggest that something needs to change when the shift is already underway.
To me, Women’s History Month has evolved into something even bigger — it’s become Women’s Her-Story Month. And truthfully, it’s not limited to one month on the calendar anymore. Women are making history every day, every month, every year.
I’m proud to be a woman. Even more proud to be a woman of color, and a woman of Caribbean heritage. My great-great-grandfather, Cecil Whitfield, is honored on the Bahamian five-dollar bill, and that legacy reminds me that history is always being written by those bold enough to step forward.
And right now, women are doing exactly that — fearlessly and unapologetically.
Thank you for reading this installment of the Women’s History Month Features. Come back each day to read a new inspiring story, centering women.
PaSH Magazine is a lifestyle publication. Our slogan is “all your tiny obsessions.” We are strong advocates of self-love, self-care, body positivity and supporting minorities, especially women, people of color and communities not highlighted in mainstream media. Please send pitches to southernpashmag@gmail.com. Please note that we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase anything from a link we have provided, we may receive a small commission. This money is used to help support our efforts at PaSH Inc. Check out our sister magazines Explore Georgia Now , Glownoire , plurvylife. and www.redpashmag.com! This article may mention several of our sister brands including but not limited to: Plurvy, Curvy Girls Rock, AYTO, PaSH Publishing and more
