Community Highlights: Meet Jeri Persley of Be Empowered Tactical

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeri Persley

Hi Jeri, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a proud Kansas City native, born in Kansas City, Kansas, and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. By the time I entered fifth grade, I had attended several elementary schools across Kansas City. Although moving between school districts was challenging, it taught me how to connect and engage with people from all walks of life—a skill that became invaluable during my 15-year career as a corporate learning instructor.

In 2015, driven by concerns about my personal safety amidst the rising number of crimes against women, I took a significant step: I purchased my first handgun and obtained my Missouri Concealed Carry license. Like many women, I chose to own a firearm as a means of personal protection.

Although I owned a handgun, I did very little to educate myself about my firearm, learn essential safety rules, or understand how to properly maintain it.
The two training classes I attended were led by male instructors, with the majority of students also being men. At the time, the few classes I was able to locate were tailored to intermediate or advanced shooting skills, which made them intimidating for me as both a beginner and a woman. Feeling uncomfortable in these classes and at the range, I ended up skipping the most crucial part of firearm ownership—training and practice!

Fast forward to 2020, I discovered the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA), where I met several experienced and knowledgeable Black firearm enthusiasts and instructors. As a Black woman with limited experience with firearms, this was an exciting opportunity to connect and learn from responsible firearm owners who shared a similar background.

As I delved deeper into the “gunnie world” and advanced my skills through training, I noticed a significant gap in the industry: the presence of female instructors in Kansas City was minimal, and the representation of Black women in firearms instruction nationwide was even smaller.

So in 2022, I decided to merge my expertise in corporate training with my passion for firearms. I earned NRA Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer certifications and founded Be Empowered Tactical, LLC.

My mission is to create a welcoming and supportive space where women—and everyone—can be equipped and empowered through responsible, firearm education and safety training

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve certainly faced my share of challenges, but this journey has taught me so much about myself and revealed the incredible beauty and resilience in others.

At the beginning of my journey as a pistol instructor, I worried that my civilian background might make it difficult for others to take me seriously. The firearms instruction industry includes many individuals with military or law enforcement experience, which can lend them a certain level of credibility.

Over time, however, I’ve realized that my civilian background is actually one of my greatest assets. My experience in corporate facilitation, paired with my personal journey into firearms as a civilian, allows me to connect with my learners in a unique and relatable way. Most of my students share a similar starting point, and because I’ve walked that path myself, I truly understand their perspectives and challenges.

That said, I recognize the importance of continually refining my skills. To enhance both my shooting and teaching abilities, I practice regularly—several times a month—and work with various coaches while attending advanced classes locally and in other cities.

Although my primary focus is on handgun training, I’ve expanded my knowledge and skills to include rifles and shotguns. I’m also planning to obtain instructor certifications in both disciplines to further diversify my expertise.

Another common challenge I encounter is the misconception that shooting is “easy.” While hitting a stationary target might seem simple, achieving consistent accuracy—hitting exactly where you intend—is a different matter entirely.

It’s much like playing pool: most of us can hit the ball, and occasionally, it might even land in a pocket. But developing the skill and precision to consistently sink the ball in the intended pocket requires practice and technique.

As responsible firearm owners, it’s essential to seek ongoing training and regular practice beyond initial introduction classes. Unfortunately, many believe that one class is sufficient, but firearm handling and safety are perishable skills that require consistent reinforcement to maintain proficiency.

We are accountable for the safe use of our defensive tools. Receiving instruction from a qualified and reputable instructor is the best way to deepen your understanding of firearms and ensure you use and maintain them properly and safely.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to think of patience as my superpower. As a certified pistol instructor specializing in beginner instruction, I mostly work with students experiencing a mix of excitement, anticipation, and fear—especially if they’ve never touched a firearm before or had a negative experience. When their nerves and anxiety run high, even simple instructions can feel overwhelming. That’s where my superpower shines!

Rather than getting frustrated if I need to repeat instructions multiple times, I may demonstrate the task or use analogies to further explain concepts. I also use encouraging words, a few dashes of humor and sometimes a hug to help my learners feel more at ease and release their nervous energy.

I’m incredibly proud to help my students transition from a fear of handguns to a sense of empowerment. It has been an honor to guide nearly 100 learners in through the fundamentals of handgun shooting and to play a part in their journey toward building confidence, self-assurance, and essential personal protection skills.

As more women take charge of their own safety, my “aim” is to continue empowering them by providing a supportive and encouraging environment where they can develop and refine their personal protection skills through dedicated training and practice opportunities.

But even if they never handle a firearm again, my hope is that every student leaves inspired to continue strengthening their “Be Empowered” muscle—proving to themselves that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.

My motivational message would be: Whatever your dream is—GO FOR IT! The world is waiting for your unique badass magic! 🔥✨

Pricing:

• Introduction to Handguns Class – Group: $80 per person; Individual Instruction: $110
• Marksmanship Coaching – $80
• Handgun Cleaning 101 Class – $40
• Handgun Selection Concierge Service – $60
• Upcoming 2025! – Missouri Conceal Carry Permit Group Class: $120 per person

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Beempoweredtactical.com
• Instagram: Be.empowered14
• Facebook: Be Empowered Tactical LLC

Image Credits
Kris Davi Photography; Wizard PhotoGraphx