Breaking Barriers and Building Futures with Nonprofit Founder Jessica Bartnick
Aug 14, 2025
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In this Dominate Your Day episode, I talk with Jessica Bartnick, founder of Foundation for C.H.O.I.C.E. (Consider How One Individual Changes Everything). After a decade in corporate sales, Jessica left her six-figure career to follow a calling—helping low-income students access education and opportunity. With no prior experience in education, she launched a nonprofit that connects students with mentors, guiding them from high school through college and into careers.
What makes her program unique is its long-term impact and real-world exposure. Through partnerships with corporations like Toyota, students gain mentorship, scholarships, and hands-on career experience. Eleven years in, Jessica’s organization has helped students earn significant college funding and break generational cycles of poverty.
Jessica recognizes that growing an organization is only possible with the support of a team. She emphasizes the importance of hiring people who complement your strengths, filling in skill gaps you may have.
If you’re a leader looking to create positive change in your community, this episode is a must-listen!
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 10:00 — The Turning Point
- Minute 15:00 — Overcoming Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector
- Minute 35:00 — Loll's Inspiring Story
Links + Resources from This Episode:
- Learn more about Jessica’s work at foundationforchoice.org
- Learn more about The Strengths Journal
About Jessica Bartnick
Jessica Bartnick is Co-Founder & CEO of Foundation For C.H.O.I.C.E., which serves at-risk youth through a one-on-one mentoring program. She is also a member of the company’s board of directors. She founded Foundation For C.H.O.I.C.E. in 2014, bringing more than 20 years of corporate leadership, executive management, business development, and business growth experience to the organization.
Bartnick is the founder of The Beauty Hub, a salon with a unique approach to renting space for cosmetologists and aestheticians. She was a franchise owner of Saxbys Coffee, which she sold in 2011. Bartnick was Chapter President of the National Association of Professional Women in 2015-2016, and was nominated for Collin County Woman of the Year in 2019. D CEO Magazine recognized Foundation For CHOICE as a finalist for Nonprofit of the Year three times. In 2015, Bartnick was recognized by TANO (Texas Association of Nonprofit Organizations) as one of the most influential CEOs in Texas.
A sought-after speaker, she appeared as a highly anticipated keynote at the Texas Mentoring Summit. She often appears in media and podcasts as an expert in education equality and business.
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