Meet the lovely Jo, Deputy President from JCI Barnsley...

Which chamber are you a member of?
Barnsley

How long have you been a JCI member?
Two years.

What made you join?
I had recently moved back home to Barnsley after spending four year in Northampton for Uni. I moved back in with my parents, bringing my boyfriend Ton (now a fellow member!) with me, and had a very limited social circle. My parents, Laura and Nigel, are JCI Barnsley senators, so were quick to suggest I went along to an event. I attended the launch night in January 2013, and signed up on the spot.

What is the most interesting JCI event you've been to and why?
As a Strictly Come Dancing fan, I've always wanted to learn how to do the waltz and cha-cha, and I got my chance when JCI Barnsley's training event in February last year was ballroom dancing! Definitely not the traditional PD event run by JCI chambers, but it was brilliant fun.

Had JCI presented any unusual/interesting opportunities?
I think I can be confident in saying that had I not joined JCI, I wouldn't have had the opportunity of learning to ballroom dance, play dodgeball, go on a train pub crawl, hear from inspirational people, raise money and awareness for some of the most deserving of causes and all with a bunch of people who are in it for the same reasons as you.

What is your job/career/profession/business?
I am a legal secretary at Howard and Co solicitors in Barnsley. I am now training to be a conveyancer too!

Has JCI had any impact on your job/career/profession/business?
Yes!! I attended LEAP (Leadership Excellence in Action Programme) in August 2014. It gave me the confidence to look at my capabilities in a new light, and prompted me to put a proposal to my employers to support me in furthering my career.

What's your proudest achievement?
Overcoming obstacles throughout my three years at university, both personal and academic, to prove my doubters wrong, and come out with a 2.1 degree. Walking up on stage at my graduation was a fantastic feeling.

Which do you prefer cats or dogs?
I've never owned either.... My boyfriend's parents have a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel called Charlie though, and he is lovely so I'll say dogs!

Tell us something crazy/dangerous/inspiring/unusual you have done
Oooh this is tricky! I'd say I'm quite normal and don't have much to shout about in terms of crazy/dangerous/inspiring or unusual! This year I'm attempting to get my fitness to a point I can do a 10k run though, that's crazy enough for me!

Thanks Jo!