Customer Reviews

—Patrick Walsh, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1977

Janie Mines has taken the extraordinary effort to describe her life journey in service to her country. She takes you on her journey as a pioneer who persevered in faith through some challenging obstacles while keeping focused on her goals. This is a story about faith, about endurance, about dedication, about commitment and about taking advantage of opportunity. A wonderful life story instructive to many generations.
—Cecil Haney, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1978

Janie’s message of obedience, preparation, and faith resounds throughout this book. She overcame adversity to become the warrior leader we all desire in our Naval Academy graduates. As a former Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy who was an upperclass midshipman during her first two years there, I find her story disheartening for what she faced but inspiring for what she achieved.
—Jeffrey L Fowler, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1978

A searingly honest personal narrative about her Naval Academy experience put in the context of the lessons learned in her childhood. Her tremendous respect for the institution and the Navy is clear, and her focus is on the wisdom and strength gained through adversity. I am very proud of my friend and classmate!
—Sandy Daniels, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1980

Janie Mines has lived an amazing life, rife with challenges since her days growing up in Aiken, South Carolina to her emotional and historic journey as the first black female graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Throughout it all she has been true to her faith with the knowledge that God has a plan for her that presents itself in unique ways that show her true measure as a person and a leader. It's an honor to call her my friend and classmate.
—Reginald Trass, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1980

I have known Janie Mines since the first days at the United States Naval Academy and have been blessed to have her as a dear friend for over four decades. It is a great honor for me to be able to share that with you here. Let me tell you, Janie demonstrates her faith in God every day in every way, not in talk but in what she does and how she handles life’s challenges. which have not been trivial. Having had a front row seat into the life of Janie, she has been a constant source of strength and help to me. She has shown me God’s love and shared God’s wisdom patiently, helping me to learn—and re-learn more than a few times—the peace of acceptance and the recognition that God has a plan for me too. Knowing that she is sharing her story with all of you brings me great joy. Becoming friends with Janie from the first days at the Naval Academy was not a coincidence—it was a gift. A gift that I am eternally thankful for!
—Janice L. Buxbaum, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1980

I have known the author almost all of her life and she never ceases to amaze. And, this is no exception … No Coincidences. Order my steps in thy word (as a child): and let not any iniquity have dominion over me (at the Academy), (paraphrasing Psalm 119:133). Insightful and inspiring reflections, this book is captivating from beginning to end. Well done.
—Gwendolyn Mines Boddie, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1981

I have known Janie Mines for decades, and from our first encounter she has been a mentor and friend to generations. As an African American graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, I can attest that this is the book we have all been waiting for. I am inspired by her faith, leadership, selfless sacrifice, and generosity to others. I know that you will be as well.
—Natasha Sistrunk Robinson, author of A Sojourner’s Truth and Mentor for Life,
U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 2002

It was "No Coincidence" that the woman I sat next to my plebe year in Alumni auditorium for the mandatory basketball game I had been dreading attending was Ms. Janie Mines, the first black female graduate of the United States Naval Academy. I admired her and had seen her picture almost every day the year prior on a poster I had taped to my desk at NAPS. I couldn't believe I was meeting her. She welcomed me with open arms and spoke to me with such love and humility. She has been an angel and a source of strength for so many, especially midshipmen. She always taught us to think outside of ourselves and to try to understand the larger lesson. Thank you so much, Ms. Janie, for being there and pouring into us; I am so glad you are sharing your story.
—Shuntiyea Langston, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 2016

Throughout my years, Ms. Janie has been a wonderful mentor. Her kindness, ability to listen closely, and willingness to share wisdom and her experiences are all qualities I admire and to this day continue to learn from. She always strives to help me continuously better myself, and our regular conversations have helped me grow immensely, both personally and professionally. Beyond that, her support is a constant motivator, reminding me that I can accomplish anything I work hard for. Ms. Janie will always be a part of my life as a mentor, motivator, and mother figure.
—Deja Baker, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 2018

Janie Mines is a strong servant leader, master mentor, and ultimate teammate. Her sage counsel is sought and respected by juniors and seniors alike across racial, cultural, and economic lines. Her genuine love for America and its people is evident in all that she lives, breathes, and thinks. I can hardly wait to purchase “No Coincidences” for my leadership team, and it will be my Christmas gift for everyone I exchange presents with this upcoming Holy season.
—Evelyn P. Banks, Author and Motivational Speaker
 
ENDORSEMENTS
"I was immensely riveted by Janie’s intensely personal reflections, in her book.  As one of the Naval Academy’s true trailblazers, her life’s internal fortitude and brilliant intellect shines throughout her book. Thank you, Janie, for this MUST-READ powerful personal testimony that honestly shares the very private aspects of your life that have led to all of your achievements! Congratulations!”
—Kerwin E. Miller, Esq., U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1975

“Janie Mines is one of the strongest women I know. Her story will stir the conscience of the reader and provoke a truly deeper conversation of race and gender relations in our country. Sadly, it reveals how culture can undermine and corrode the best intentions of law, policy, rules, and the leadership.”
—Patrick Walsh, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1977

“This is a story about faith, about endurance, about dedication, about commitment, and about taking advantage of opportunity. A wonderful life story instructive to many generations."
—Cecil Haney, U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1978

“Masterfully written and worth the wait. The epitome of a trailblazer, I am absolutely certain the experiences Ms. Mines recounts will both humble and inspire her readers. I only wish I had access to these insights of strength and resilience before attending the U.S. Naval Academy.”
—Tracey Nicole Hayes, Ph.D., U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1992

“God sent the right one!"
—Laura D. Stubbs, Ph.D.


Janie L. Mines
SSMBB, PMP, CCM
Common Cents Business Services Inc
803-984-3796