Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Meyers Shaffer.
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Jessica Meyers Shaffer. I’m a creative producer and media personality in Nashville, TN and I am running for schoolboard in District 5 of Clarksville, Montgomery County, TN. I was born and raised in South Nashville and graduated from Antioch High School in 2005. In school I was involved in theater and choir competitions, but always knew from a young age I wanted to be in military and serve my country. I served in the U.S. Air Force as an avionics technician, specializing in communications and navigation in the 19th Airlift Wing during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. I was stationed in Little Rock, Arkansas where I also attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for Technical Management while I was enlisted. When I left the military in 2010 I moved back to Nashville and began my bachelor’s degree at Lipscomb University majoring in Political Science and minoring is US History. I went to work in finance and freelance copyediting and website design. Around 2020 during the pandemic I moved to Ashland City, TN and became a substitute teacher. I also had a small retail store for a short time there. I ended up meeting Morelia Cuevas, the daughter of famous fashion designer Manuel Cuevas. I became a production assistant and assisting with fashion shows, social media, award shows, and various philanthropic events promoting the arts. I was then cast as a co-host on a local Nashville talk show called “Bless Your Heart”, where we interview various artists and business owners about their work. I have always been interested in politics and consider myself a “politico” and began making political content online, and was cast as an online media host at Timcast.com. After moving to Clarksville in 2024, I joined the local Republican Party and the Montgomery County Republican Women’s club and was asked to run for schoolboard. I was also recently appointed Secretary of the Young Republicans. At the moment, I am focused on that race and it is a very contested seat.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being in the public eye is both a privilege and a unique challenge. Early on, learning to navigate public scrutiny and stand up for what I believe in was a difficult adjustment. Over time, I’ve adopted a Stoic approach to feedback: if criticism is baseless, I let it go; if it carries weight, I examine it, learn from it, and use it to grow. Developing that filter allowed me to hold firm in my convictions while staying open to continuous improvement.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At my core, I am driven by a deep sense of leadership, service, and protection—a mindset shaped by my time in the military, my deep love for my country, and my role as a wife and mother. I specialize in asking the tough questions, listening carefully to community needs, and finding creative, practical solutions to complex problems.
What sets me apart is my refusal to accept “that’s just how things have always been done.” I believe leadership requires both the courage to stand up for what is right, and the humility to genuinely listen to the people you represent. I am most proud of my willingness to step forward, bring fresh ideas to local government, and build a stronger, more transparent, and responsive community for the next generation.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5 to 10 years, local and grassroots politics will experience a major generational shift with the popularity of independent media rising. We have to engage those voters who are hungry for authentic leaders that focus on real-world solutions rather than the noise of partisan agitators. The future of the Republican Party will depend on actively engaging young conservatives, families, and new voices.
Regardless of the outcome of any single election, my commitment to this work is a calling. I plan to continue serving my community, working closely with the GOP and Young Republicans to mentor the next generation of conservative leaders, build stronger civic networks, and ensure our local institutions reflect our core values. The incredible support and encouragement I’ve received from people in this community reinforce every day that this is the path God has set for me, and I intend to keep pushing forward to make a lasting, positive impact.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessicaforschoolboard.manus.space/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Jessica-Meyers-Shaffer-for-Montgomery-County-School-Board-District-5/61587442301134/
- Other: https://secure.winred.com/jessica-for-school-board/donate-today
