On April 12, 2025, at The Mint Museum in Charlotte, Jeanette Wood didn’t just attend the Faiyaz Freedom to Breathe Foundation’s “Show U Off” Luncheon — she orchestrated it. As the mother of Brent Faiyaz and the heartbeat behind the foundation, Mrs. Jeanette opened the event with warmth, conviction, and clarity. She welcomed guests with open arms, introduced the moderator and panelists with pride, and gave heartfelt recognition to both past and new grant recipients. Her presence shaped the energy in the room — setting a tone of dignity, celebration, and deep-rooted community care. After the panel concluded, Rolling Out sat down with her to explore the spirit that drives the mission forward.
Wood doesn’t need titles or fanfare to leave her mark — her leadership speaks volumes. In this conversation, she reflects on building a foundation with no formal blueprint, the multiplying force of Black women’s influence, and the personal pride she carries as both a mother and a movement maker.
Building without a blueprint
When asked about the secret to building a foundation that genuinely works, Wood offered an answer rooted in authenticity.
“I’ll be honest with you,” she says, “when we started this foundation, there wasn’t an ideal plan. We just did it. We went with our gut feeling. We knew we wanted to give back to Black women entrepreneurs because we knew that with women, they would continue to build and give back to other people. They would bring a village with them. There was no plan.”
It wasn’t about orchestrating a flashy launch or crafting a polished mission statement. It was about acting on instinct, heart, and an undeniable calling to make a real difference. The “Show U Off” initiative — both the grant and the luncheon — were born from the inspiration of Brent Faiyaz’s song “Show U Off,” written to honor his late grandmother and the legacy of Black women in his family.
Keeping it genuine, not performative
In today’s world, foundations often risk becoming little more than PR stunts. Wood is fiercely protective of ensuring that the Faiyaz Freedom To Breathe Foundation stays true to its mission.
“I’m the one that says, when we receive information asking about livestreaming it — that’s not what it’s about,” she shares. “It’s important to keep it genuine. You have a lot of tears here today. This isn’t for reality TV. These are people’s lives that are changing. I don’t think it’s fair to have it on blast for the public.”
For Wood, the work speaks for itself. The focus remains on the women they serve, not the optics.
Uplifting entrepreneurs one story at a time
The foundation’s recent campaign, built under the “Show U Off” brand, saw 186 applicants — a testament to the hunger for meaningful support among Black women entrepreneurs.
“During that time, it was difficult because there were so many worthy causes,” Wood explains. “We divided it up into sectors of education, nonprofit… We had a lot of AI projects, hairstylists, different categories.”
The selection process was straightforward yet deeply thoughtful: applicants were asked to share their challenges, and those who spoke genuinely and passionately were prioritized.
“If they spoke about it in real time and they were genuine, we voted on it,” she says. “It was just that simple.”
Among those surprised with a grant during the luncheon was McClam Academy — a group that had bought tickets to attend the event but had no idea they had been selected. The emotional moment was a highlight of the day, illustrating the foundation’s commitment to sincere, transformational impact.
A personal mission rooted in legacy
For Wood, the foundation is more than just philanthropy. It’s personal.
“It means everything to me,” she says, her voice full of emotion. “The idea that my son wants to give back to Black women — his mom’s a Black woman. It’s such an honor.”
Beyond her personal pride, Wood sees the foundation as part of a broader legacy. Brent Faiyaz’s upbringing was shaped by strong women, and through the foundation’s work, that tradition of strength and resilience continues.
“The minute the young ladies at McClam Academy stated what they were going to do, their sisters, the young ladies through their mentoring — they’re going to go back and share the resources with them,” she notes. “It just always happens that way.”
Advice for those ready to give back
When asked what advice she would give to anyone inspired to start their own journey of giving, Wood’s answer was as practical as it was passionate.
“Start giving back. Start researching foundations that are near and dear to you,” she says. “Research if you want to give back to Black women business owners. Go online. There’s a vast amount of information out here.
“We go on Google to research celebrities and what they’re doing in their life,” she adds with a laugh. “Why aren’t we researching who to give back to? We’ve got to get our priorities together.”
In the end, it’s not about appearances. It’s about impact — real, tangible, lasting impact.
Jeanette Wood and the Faiyaz Freedom To Breathe Foundation prove that when the heart leads, true change follows. It’s not about how giving back looks — it’s about the lives that are touched, the communities that are strengthened, and the futures that are forever changed.
