Janice Jackson was born in Paderborn, Germany and moved to Springfield, Massachusetts at a young age. As she attended Bay Path University,  pursuing a B.S. in Marketing, she also began to run her own jewelry business. Ran out of her parent's basement, she was passionate and dedicated enough to be the recipient of the Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for two years standing, and had the opportunity to participate in the Bay Path's Women's Leadership Conference as a vendor.  Her jewelry business, Lavyndel , closed in 2017 but not without leaving Janice with a passion for small business. As the new Partnerships and Events Associate for Valley Venture Mentors, she now has the opportunity to work with her community to help small businesses grow, thrive and prosper. She wants to be a part of the bigger picture that is, putting her community on the map for innovative, creative and successful businesses.