The World Tribune sat down with Greater Montclair Chapter Women’s Leader Jenna Pacheco to learn how supporting the next generation transformed her faith, leadership and life.
How did you start practicing Nichiren Buddhism?
Jenna Pacheco: I grew up in a family that practices Buddhism, but when I turned 18, I determined to prove chanting didn’t build happiness. For almost 10 years, my involvement in the SGI was like a roller coaster, only chanting when faced with a struggle. I believed if I worked hard to achieve my goals, everything would fall into place.
By my late 20s, I had hit all the goals I had set, but after a difficult breakup, I realized I wasn’t happy and felt hopeless. Something was missing. My mom encouraged me to chant, and I decided to try it seriously one last time. I told myself, If this works, I’ll commit fully. If it doesn’t, I’m done.
That decision changed everything. I chanted every day, went to meetings and participated wholeheartedly. By the end of that year, though nothing in my environment had changed, I felt completely different inside. That inner shift showed me this practice truly works.
How has that inner transformation shaped the way you approach leadership and supporting the next generation?
Jenna: For me, it starts with never giving up on a person. It’s easy to see someone as “inactive” or just a name on a list, but I believe everyone has limitless potential. Raising others begins with believing in that potential first.
When I became a chapter leader, many of the youth had graduated into the men’s and women’s divisions, so there were very few younger members actively participating. As a chapter team, we made a determination to chant for new youth to emerge. Soon after, a young woman moved back to New Jersey and took on leadership.
She was enthusiastic about planning the March Youth Peace Festival and set goals that seemed impossible, including doubling our usual attendance. It was much bigger than anything we had done before.
At first, our team hesitated because her goals felt unrealistic. But I remembered how much I was supported when I was younger, and I didn’t want to shrink her vision. So I resolved to chant to fully support it.
Through prayer, teamwork and overcoming obstacle after obstacle—finding a space, securing permits, coordinating logistics—we held what became the largest gathering of its kind in our region that year. It proved to me that when we support someone’s sincere determination, incredible things happen.
What does that support look like on a daily basis?
Jenna: It’s very simple, but very consistent. Chanting for others, listening deeply and being present. Sometimes that means helping someone write their first experience, practice a presentation or just getting coffee and talking through life.
I remember supporting a young woman who had just received the Gohonzon. I made a determination to chant for her, encourage her and help her step by step. Over time, she gained confidence and eventually stood up as a leader herself. Watching that growth affirmed how powerful steady encouragement can be.
Has supporting others impacted your own life?
Jenna: Absolutely. Chanting for someone else and focusing on their growth transforms you at the same time. As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced many challenging hurdles and internal doubts, but by supporting and helping another person to win, I found myself breaking through my own obstacles with more confidence and speed, allowing my business to grow tenfold.
Supporting others keeps my heart young. Their sincerity, joy and determination remind me why I practice. It continuously refreshes my faith.
Do you have any determinations for the future?
Jenna: As a chapter, our focus is raising the next generation. We’ve set goals for strong weekly chanting sessions, developing leaders in every district and creating spaces of genuine encouragement and friendship.
Personally, I’ve made a determination to continue supporting women and younger members to gain confidence and step forward, while also expanding my business to help women build financial stability and long term wealth. I want my life to prove that when we base ourselves on faith and support others wholeheartedly, we can create value for generations to come.
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