Driven by a passion for advocacy, Jessica Gould, Owner of J Gould Consulting is transforming policy into progress for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What began as volunteer work on state and federal boards has evolved into a powerful career, where Gould now leads J Gould Consulting—shaping legislation to improve lives and bridge the gap between complex policies and real-world needs.
Leveraging her expertise, Jessica actively advocates for those who need legislative consulting the most. “My motivation came from volunteering on various boards where I worked on getting legislation passed that would improve lives in California,” she explains. This work illuminated the critical role of connecting complex legislative processes with the needs of underserved communities—a mission Gould continues to champion through J Gould Consulting today.
A Vision to Modernize Legislative Advocacy
In 2012, Gould saw an opportunity to bring a fresh approach to the legislative process. Recognizing that the methods being used were outdated, she worked closely with the organizations she volunteered for, including the N Los Angeles County Regional Center. After securing permission from these organizations, Gould took a bold step: she decided to bring legislative bills directly to the community. “I have an idea of how to get to more people,” she recalls. With the green light from the organizations, she spent the next three years engaging with the community and facilitating conversations to promote awareness and action.
Gould’s efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2019, a small company in the San Fernando Valley approached her with a unique request: they needed help understanding the legislative process and how the intellectual developmental disability system worked. “Can you train them?” they asked. This request became the catalyst for Gould’s consulting business. Combining her knowledge as a behavioral analyst assistant and her growing expertise in legislative processes, Gould seized the opportunity and launched J Gould Consulting–educating others on the intricacies of getting legislation passed in a bureaucratic system.
Today, unlike many legislative consulting firms that follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all pathway, J Gould Consulting takes a flexible and client-driven approach. “What sets us apart is that most legislative consultants have a very set pathway they follow,” Jessica Gould explains. “What we do is the opposite.” This adaptable method allows clients to guide the process, ensuring that the advocacy work reflects their unique goals and needs, rather than adhering to a prescribed formula.
Putting Clients and Communities First
At J Gould Consulting, clients have the power to determine their level of involvement and legislative engagement. “They’re the ones telling us what they’re interested in doing,” Gould states. With three levels of legislative interaction—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—clients can choose how deeply they wish to engage with the legislative process. This structure provides a clear roadmap for clients at every stage, with options tailored to their level of expertise and desired impact.
The company’s philosophy centers on empowering the communities it serves. “Our goal is actually not to highlight ourselves, but to highlight the clients and the needs of the population,” Gould says. This client-first mentality ensures that the focus remains on making a meaningful difference, with the consulting team acting as a guide rather than a star of the process. The result is a more community-driven approach, where the true impact is felt by the underserved populations that benefit from the legislative changes.
Most In-Demand Services and How They Meet Client Expectations
1. Training Services: The Core Offering
At J Gould Consulting, the most sought-after service is their comprehensive training modules. These training services are tailored to empower organizations with the knowledge and tools to navigate the legislative landscape. As Jessica Gould explains, the company’s approach to training is designed to meet the needs of clients at various stages of legislative engagement. “Our first consultations are always free to gauge the organization’s knowledge of legislation,” she shares. From there, the company offers three distinct training levels to guide organizations through the complexities of the legislative process.
2. Step-by-Step Guidance for Beginners
The first level of training, aimed at beginners, focuses on foundational skills like writing letters to legislative representatives. While this may seem basic, Gould emphasizes its importance, noting that it’s a highly technical task. “We have an entire presentation dedicated to how to write a letter—what should be in it, how to structure it, and where it should be sent,” Gould explains. This attention to detail ensures that clients can make a strong initial impression on their legislative representatives, a crucial step in the advocacy process.
3. Advanced Training for Legislative Engagement
For those who have successfully engaged their representatives, the next level of training teaches organizations how to navigate meetings and further solidify their advocacy efforts. “Once you’ve gotten their attention, you may be asked for a meeting, and we walk you through what to do next,” Gould says. This stage prepares clients for more complex interactions, helping them take a more active role in advancing their legislative goals.
4. Tailored Solutions for Major Legislative Changes
The final training model offered by J Gould Consulting is designed for organizations looking to make substantial changes, such as altering laws or regulations. While this service is not in high demand, it reflects the company’s commitment to providing a roadmap for clients who are ready to take bold action. Gould notes, “This is more for organizations that want to tackle massive changes in their legislative landscape.”
5. Comprehensive Support and Materials for Client Success
J Gould Consulting provides clients with materials to ensure long-term success. Clients receive step-by-step guidelines and resources to implement the strategies covered during training. “You’re not getting us for several days or weeks, but you are getting the tools to continue your work even after we leave,” Gould explains. This ensures that clients are equipped to carry forward their legislative efforts and achieve their goals independently.
Technology Shaping The Consulting Approach
Technology has played a pivotal role in reshaping J Gould Consulting’s business model, particularly in terms of accessibility, affordability, and reach. Jessica Gould, the company’s leader, highlights how the integration of virtual tools has made their services available to a much broader audience. “Technology has made our approach reachable to thousands of people,” Gould states, emphasizing that it’s enabled them to serve clients without the geographical and financial barriers typically associated with in-person services.
1. Virtual Consulting: Affordable and Accessible
Before the pandemic, J Gould Consulting’s services were offered through in-person consultations, which often involved travel expenses and logistical costs that could make it difficult for some organizations to afford. However, with the onset of the pandemic, the company quickly adapted to a virtual model. “The virtual world made it so we could make an affordable contract for an organization,” Gould explains. By transitioning to a digital-first approach, the company could offer competitive pricing while eliminating additional costs like travel and postage, making its services more accessible to organizations across the country.
2. Cost Efficiency and Nationwide Reach
The shift to virtual services has also enabled J Gould Consulting to offer a more cost-effective pricing structure. “Even our hourly rate is probably the lowest in the industry,” Gould notes, largely due to the elimination of travel and other overhead costs. The company’s ability to offer affordable services without compromising quality is a direct result of integrating technology into its business model. This shift has allowed them to serve a national client base, extending their reach beyond the confines of their previous in-person service area.
3. Leveraging the Internet for Seamless Service Delivery
J Gould Consulting makes use of the Internet to deliver training materials and resources. “We send everything via email to our clients, so they don’t have to pay for postage or any extra fees,” Gould explains. This digital delivery model streamlines their service and ensures that clients receive timely, cost-free access to the materials needed for successful legislative engagement.
Moreover, the integration of technology allows J Gould Consulting to guide clients through national and state-level websites, enhancing the overall training experience. “We’re using the internet for presentations and to bring people to relevant websites based on what we’re doing,” Gould says, emphasizing how the internet has become a crucial tool for educating and empowering their clients.
Clear Expectations and Realistic Guidance
Gould emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations from the beginning. Clients may have ambitious goals, such as seeking large amounts of funding or pushing for significant policy changes, but the consultancy provides them with a reality check. “We openly tell people the reality of the barriers they will face when pursuing these goals,” Gould explains. By guiding clients through the legislative and bureaucratic processes, they ensure that clients understand both the opportunities and challenges of their objectives.
The training and consulting services offered by J Gould Consulting are designed to help clients succeed within the framework of the democratic process, even when faced with difficulties. “We make it very clear to our clients that not everyone gets everything they want,” Gould adds. By framing these challenges in realistic terms, the company mitigates the risk of clients overestimating what they can achieve without understanding the broader systemic hurdles.
Legal Boundaries and Ethical Standards
One key element in J Gould Consulting’s approach to risk mitigation is the company’s strict adherence to legal boundaries. Gould highlights that, while they offer comprehensive training, they do not engage in lobbying, which is a regulated activity that requires specific licensing. “We make it very clear that we’re giving you the knowledge, but you’re the ones who have to deliver it,” she explains. This distinction is crucial to ensure that they stay compliant with legal guidelines and avoid crossing ethical lines.
By not participating directly in the lobbying process, J Gould Consulting avoids conflicts of interest and potential legal ramifications. Gould underscores the difference between educating clients and actively lobbying on their behalf: “You cannot educate and train people and lobby at the same time. You have to choose a pathway by law.”
Similarly, maintaining a balance between innovation and mitigating clients’ risks is a fundamental aspect of the company’s approach. Jessica outlines a core principle that guides their process: they adhere to the democratic system and its established processes to help clients navigate various challenges.
Anticipating The Future Challenges
One of the most significant challenges the company faces is shifting long-standing mindsets—convincing individuals and organizations to embrace change after decades of doing things a certain way. To tackle this, the company strategically gathers success stories, including testimonials and positive reviews, that highlight the tangible benefits of new approaches.
These real-world examples help to alleviate initial hesitation and build confidence in the transformation process. Moreover, the company recognizes that change is more effective when driven collectively. By fostering strong partnerships, they create a collaborative environment that not only builds trust but also increases the likelihood of buy-in, making the adoption of new ideas and methods smoother.
Another ongoing challenge is navigating the shifting public perception of democracy, which often leads to polarized opinions and emotional responses. Rather than suppressing frustration or anger, the company acknowledges and validates these emotions, fostering a space for constructive dialogue—ensuring that individuals feel heard while keeping the focus on meaningful solutions.
J Gould Consulting is realistic about the pace of progress in complex social and legislative issues. While some resolutions may take decades, they emphasize the importance of equipping clients with the tools and pathways to begin addressing these challenges. By setting clear expectations and reinforcing the value of incremental progress, they instill confidence that every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward lasting change.
Strategic Focus on Education and Connection
The overarching theme of J Gould Consulting’s partnerships is education. By fostering relationships that prioritize knowledge sharing, the company ensures that clients are well-prepared to handle the challenges of the political and legislative systems. Whether working with federal agencies, state organizations, or legislative committees, the company maintains its role as a trusted guide and partner in helping clients navigate complex issues effectively.
Bridging the gaps between governmental agencies, nonprofits, and their clients, the company acts as a “connector” and forms partnerships—facilitating communication between various stakeholders and helping clients navigate complex political and legislative systems.
Key Milestones Defining J Gould Consulting’s Success
1. A Transformative Shift During the Pandemic
The pandemic changed the landscape for many businesses, and Gould saw an opportunity to make a larger impact. “We decided to put key information online that anyone would need to navigate the complex systems and bureaucracy of intellectual developmental disabilities,” she explains. By offering essential resources online, the company made crucial information accessible to a broader audience, setting the stage for future milestones.
2. Building Partnerships for Greater Impact
Gould reached out to key federal and state agencies, seeking permission to feature their work on the J Gould Consulting website. This strategic move allowed the company to enhance its credibility and visibility in the legislative consulting space. “That became the first step toward milestones of impacting specific issues,” Gould shares. By partnering with established organizations and integrating their work into their own platform, J Gould Consulting laid the groundwork for large-scale change.
3. Advancing Legislation for the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Community
Among the company’s most significant achievements are the two major legislative victories in 2024. The first was the repeal of subminimum wage laws, which allowed individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive equal pay under the law. Gould’s team played a vital role in this legal action, which ensured that paying disabled individuals below minimum wage was no longer permissible. “It never should have been legal, but we helped in that repealment,” Gould notes with pride.
The second milestone was the passage of AB 3291, a bill that now allows California’s regional centers to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in securing rental assistance when seeking housing. “These things weren’t available easily before, and now there are avenues for people to get this essential assistance,” Gould says. This legislative win provided tangible, long-term benefits for a community that had long been overlooked.
4. Expanding National Reach and Training Across the Country
J Gould Consulting expanded its reach outside of California. Using virtual platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, the company began training organizations across the country on how to navigate the legislative process. “California is kind of like a leader in disability advocacy, but we’ve trained organizations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, helping them tackle similar challenges,” Gould explains.
Empowering Clients to Take Charge
The ultimate goal of J Gould Consulting is to equip clients with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for themselves. “We train you to get you to that final step,” Gould says. While they provide extensive guidance on how to engage with federal or state agencies, once clients reach a critical point in the process, the responsibility shifts to them. This ensures that clients remain in control of their advocacy, making informed decisions based on the training they’ve received.
This approach aligns with the company’s ethos of empowering clients to be industry experts and take ownership of their advocacy efforts. By setting boundaries around their role, J Gould Consulting maintains its focus on education and training, while ensuring that clients are prepared for the challenges they will face along the way.
About The Leader
| Name: Jessica Gould |
| Designation: Owner |
| Company Name: J Gould Consulting |
| Headquarters: PANORAMA CITY, CA |
| Founded: 2019 |
| Company Website: jgouldconsultation.com |
4 Key Insights from Jessica Gould’s Leadership
- Listening and Understanding: The company’s success is largely defined by how it genuinely listens to clients, especially those facing distress or frustration. Providing clients the space to express their concerns, creates a solid foundation for their work and ensures that clients feel heard.
- Honesty and Transparency: The leadership emphasizes a straightforward approach to setting realistic expectations for clients. Even when the road ahead is long and complex, this honest approach builds trust and long-term relationships. It also includes giving clients the tools they need to proceed, even if they choose to move forward on their own.
- Advocacy for Change: The company is committed to driving social change, particularly within the disability rights movement. They emphasize the importance of uniting voices across states and communities for collective success. By providing training and support, the company aims to empower not only individuals but also the organizations that serve them.
- Training and Expansion: In the coming years, the focus is on training and expanding outside California. The goal is to help other states and communities realize the importance of unity and collaboration. It aims to increase the recognition of disability rights organizations and foster connections that can drive more substantial social change.
Notable Partnerships at J Gould Consulting
- Association of Regional Centers (ARC): A California-based organization representing the intellectual and developmental disability sector, facilitating J Gould Consulting’s advocacy efforts in Sacramento.
- State Council on Developmental Disabilities (SCDD): A national organization with state chapters, enabling J Gould Consulting to address developmental disability issues at both state and federal levels.
- Caltach: A national employment-focused organization (full name unspecified), connecting J Gould Consulting to state-level initiatives supporting diverse populations.
- California Legislature: Strong relationships with relevant Assembly and Senate committees (health, human services, disability, and underserved populations) provide crucial access and influence within the state’s political landscape.
