Strengthening Blended Families

Jessica Pickens is a wife, mother, grandmother, and resilient leader with a heart for blended families. With nearly 23 years of lived experience as the wife and mother of a blended family, she understands firsthand the challenges and victories of uniting diverse households. She also draws on more than 24 years of professional expertise in government, the private sector, and entrepreneurship to encourage and equip others with wisdom, strength, and practical tools.

Originally aspiring to become a physician, Jessica earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. However, as a committed single mother, she chose a career path that provided stability for her family and entered state government service, which led her to pursue and earn a master’s degree in public administration. It was during this season of life that she met her husband, Tyrone, and together they formed a blended family of six children. Their journey—marked by both struggles and breakthroughs—shaped Jessica’s deep compassion for families navigating similar experiences.

Out of her strong desire to help other blended families, and in obedience to what she believes is God’s calling, Jessica created Blended Family Matters Academy in the fall of 2024. Through this platform, she now shares her story and hard-won lessons on her podcast, Pickens’ Realities & Blended Family Truths, and as a dedicated speaker available to be booked by organizations and communities. Her vision is to become a leading voice in equipping blended families with both practical and faith-based tools for lasting unity.

Jessica is also the founder and principal consultant of GBG & Associates Consulting, LLC, where she advises organizations in strategy, policy, and organizational development.

Her life is a testimony of perseverance and faith. From facing early-life health challenges, growing up biracial amidst social prejudice, and being raised in poverty by a single mother, to overcoming young adult struggles with insecurity, depression, and addiction—Jessica has emerged with unshakable resilience. Today, her story inspires hope for families everywhere.

Her prayer journal, Strengthening Blended Families: A 30-Day Prayer Prompt Guide & Journal, is a heartfelt resource to help families invite God’s word into their daily lives, heal together, and grow in love, unity, and resilience.