Jennell Hartford: A Life of Service, Leadership, and Purpose

Personal Journey

Jennell Hartford’s story is rooted in resilience, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to becoming better—both for herself and for the people who depend on her. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Jennell grew up surrounded by culture, family, and the steady discipline that comes from a military-influenced upbringing. Those early lessons in structure, accountability, and teamwork have remained with her throughout her life.

As a mother of three, Jennell has mastered the art of balancing family, ambition, and personal growth. She finds joy in simple moments—laughter, traveling, and challenging herself through hiking everywhere she goes. Her love for movement and exploration mirrors her mindset: keep going, keep learning, and keep becoming.

Jennell holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from American Public University System (APUS) and is currently completing her Master’s in IT with a focus on Project Management and Cybersecurity. She is also a member of the National Honor Society for Leadership and Success. Education for Jennell is not a checkbox—it’s something she intentionally pursues to elevate her life, her business, and her capacity to serve others.

Professional Background

Jennell’s professional path has never been straight or easy, but it has always been forward. She began her career in customer-facing roles, where she learned how to communicate, problem-solve, and manage complex situations under pressure. Over time, she transitioned fully into IT, where she developed depth in technical support, cybersecurity principles, and enterprise operations.

She is Security+ certified and continues growing her technical foundation as she works in demanding IT environments, including federal support roles. Her ability to bridge both people and technology is one of her greatest strengths.

Jennell is also a co-owner and managing partner of DataTechRisk Solutions (DTRS), an IT firm providing technical support, testing services, and workforce development solutions for government and commercial clients. At DTRS, she manages operations, business development, testing center compliance, and service delivery—often wearing multiple hats with efficiency and clarity.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

In addition to her IT career, Jennell is the founder of Your Business Plug (YBP), a consulting company created to help entrepreneurs establish, stabilize, and grow their businesses. The mission behind YBP is deeply personal: Jennell built her businesses from scratch, often without guidance, mentorship, or resources—and she never wants others to struggle the way she did.

YBP offers business setup support, workflow and process design, digital organization, content and social media strategy, admin support, and resume transformation services. Jennell’s approach is hands-on, honest, and rooted in problem-solving. She sees people for who they are becoming, not just who they are today.

One of her signature projects through YBP was supporting the Safer family—working with Katherine Safer on business administration and documentation for the global placement of artist John Safer’s iconic sculptures, including at MGM Grand National Harbor. This project connected Jennell with high-profile work and reinforced her ability to deliver quality at any level.

Today, Jennell focuses on helping startups and small businesses gain clarity, structure, and visibility. She understands firsthand how entrepreneurship can shift a person’s mindset, income, and entire future—which is why she treats her clients’ dreams with care and intention.

Community and Impact

Beyond business, Jennell has a deep interest in supporting overlooked communities, especially individuals with disabilities and families seeking stability. Her ideas around micro-communities, accessible workforce development, and inclusive technology stem from her lived experiences and desire to create solutions that actually help people.

Her vision includes building safe, stable, and supportive spaces—starting in Shreveport, LA, where she owns land—and expanding into technology-driven programs that help people access opportunities more easily.

A Vision for the Future

Jennell’s life is defined by growth, service, and the belief that you can rebuild your story at any time. Whether she is completing her graduate degree, scaling DTRS, expanding YBP, or raising her children, she leads with integrity and determination.

Looking ahead, Jennell plans to:

• Expand Your Business Plug to support more corporate and government clients
  
  

• Build inclusive micro-communities and workforce programs
  
  

• Grow DTRS’s IT and testing center footprint
  
  

• Continue her education and certifications in cybersecurity
  
  

• Publish her first book, sharing her experiences, lessons, and encouragement for entrepreneurs who feel unseen or underestimated
  
  

Above all, Jennell hopes her work and her journey remind others that success doesn’t have to look perfect—it just has to be real. Through perseverance, faith, consistency, and heart, she continues building the life she once only imagined, proving that anyone can create impact when they choose to move forward with courage and purpose.