Jennifer Washington-McMurray
Music has always played an important role in Jennifer Washington-McMurray’s life. In fact, you might even say it’s in her genes. Raised in a Christ-centered home, the youngest of seven children, the entire Washington clan is musical. Her father is a well-known gospel artist who throughout most of Washington-McMurray’s childhood, traveled all over singing with gospel artists.
“I had a wonderful childhood and was fortunate to have two Christian parents. My family has always been involved in various forms of the arts. I was formally trained in classical music and jazz, and I feel blessed to have such a gifted family,” she said.
After graduating from Hamilton High School and prior to attending college, Washington-McMurray also used her singing talent to perform with Hansberry Sands. Simultaneously, she got involved with the pageantry circuit, competing in several local and national competitions including the Hal Jackson Talented Teens and Miss Black Wisconsin, to name a few. She was first runner up in a few local competitions; she competed and won the Miss Galaxy International of Las Vegas Competition, representing Milwaukee.
“I won trips, traveled to the Bahamas and received scholarships, but more importantly, I honed my leadership skills during these pageants. I continued to be involved with pageants as a judge while I was in college. It was during this time that my purpose in life was defined. I began assisting and mentoring young women—something I discovered that I truly enjoy and continue to do to this day,” she said.
Washington-McMurray attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee where she received a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. She later attended Cardinal Stritch University, earning a Master of Science degree in Business.
Washington-McMurray launched her professional career in radio, working for WMCS (which was then WMVP). She, along with Ella Smith, co-hosted two popular radio shows—‘Swap and Shop’ and ‘Community Focus’.
“Ella and I are best friends to this day. These shows and this visibility helped pave the way for me to continue performing as a singer. I opened for many national artists at venues such as SummerFest and African World Festival. It was a win-win, and I met such great mentors, including Ella, as I eventually transitioned to gospel music.
“I was born, raised, baptized and married at Pilgrim Rest, under Rev. Leroy B. Mixon. As my faith grew, so did my training in leadership and music. When my family transferred their membership to New Testament Church, I eventually became the Director of Music there and was also the music teacher for New Testament Academy,” she said.
After giving birth to her first son, she left radio to start a childcare service in her home.
“I wanted to be home with my first child. It was during this time that I saw an opportunity to teach children about music, so I started a music program called Jennifer’s Jumping Jacks. People hired me to do music programs with their children. Using music, I taught children the fundamentals like movement, activities, and memory. I get so much joy when I see children enjoying music,” she said.
Jennifer’s Jumping Jacks Play and Music served as the springboard for starting another business called Milwaukee Angels Choir, a professional choir for youth that sang at various venues throughout the city.
After returning to the workforce, Washington-McMurray worked in advertising sales at Journal Sentinel before taking positions at New Testament Church and New Testament Academy. While there, she focused on gospel music and working with children. She developed a vibrant music ministry and created an after school music program for children, bringing in community musicians and offering private vocal lessons to children.
Washington-McMurray believes in entrepreneurialship, and so started JWM Productions, which includes all of her businesses.
“My business began to develop and grow, as did my ministry and purpose. I loved working with children and women. For a season, my life was fulfilling as director of music at New Testament Church and working with the New Testament Christian Academy. I produced cantatas and concerts, and continued to give private voice lessons. And, while I love seeing people develop, I had put my solo singing career on hold. It was okay for a time because I realized I was sowing seeds, learning about the Word of God, and developing my leadership skills,” she said.
Washington-McMurray returned to school to pursue her master’s degree and accepted employment with the American Cancer Society.
“The American Cancer Society was my first client when I worked in advertising at WMCS. I told God that I want to work for this organization, a few years back and He opened that door for me,” she said.
Now employed as the Health Systems Manager for Primary Care at the American Cancer Society, Washington-McMurray views this as part of her purpose.
“I don’t believe in jobs and careers; it has to have a purpose. I don’t believe in chasing the money. I believe in chasing the dream, and then the purpose and the money will follow. Working at ACS is a ministry to me. I’m able to empower people, help them live healthier lifestyles and, since minorities are still dying in unprecedented numbers due to health disparities, I’m teaching them that this does not have to happen with lifestyle changes.
“In the midst of helping others, God revealed to me that there were things I needed to change in order to live my best life. I was overweight and not living the healthy lifestyle that I was encouraging others to pursue. I recognized that I had weights in my life that I needed to remove, so that I could make changes. I identified those things that were burdening me down, sought a life and health coach, and today I’m a new woman—down 70 pounds. I’m taking off the weights—inside and out,” she proclaimed.
Not one to sit around idle, Washington-McMurray began praying about what she could do to make a greater impact in her community, which lead to her founding a ministry called Sisters With A Purpose (SWAP). Now entering its tenth year, SWAP is an annual conference she coordinates that brings women of all backgrounds and ethnicities together to celebrate and empower each other.
“This is my women’s ministry. It features fashion shows, vendors, gospel recording artists, and speakers. It’s a fun gathering of women—young and old.
Washington-McMurray also started an on-air book club on WNOV called “Off the Shelf, featuring local and national authors.
“It’s funny because prior to starting this show, I didn’t like to read. Now I love it! This is another venture I operate under my production company, and it gets me back into broadcasting. Everything that I do builds and complements the other. It’s all about glorifying God, and edifying and entertaining people,” she said.
“Being a the mother of four amazing adults and vocalist is first and foremost who I am. I’m so very excited about this season that God has me in. My theme song and my concert theme is “It’s My Time.” One of the biggest rewards in life for me is seeing the young people I work with grow up, join the workforce and become successful. When they succeed and I’ve played a part in that, that’s my reward. That’s my purpose,” said Washington-McMurray.