Jackie - The candidate

As the oldest of three children, I was born in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in a small town in Louisiana where I gained firsthand experience in entrepreneurship. I was fortunate to have my grandparents and great-grandparents close by, fortunate to experience being the 5th living generation of my maternal lineage, and fortunate to have had a World War I Veteran, my grandfather, around to share his French war experience. 

I attended Southern University, a HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The nurturing a HBCU provides can never be understated, as it was my math professor who encouraged me to major in Computer Science. While attending Southern University, I met my future husband. I owe a lot to Southern, because two weeks after I received my BS, I acquired the title of "MRS". We have two lovely children. 

I have resided in Houston for most of my career. I took a detour to Atlanta for four years and held overseas assignments where I worked in Germany and Nigeria. The global experience exposed me to other cultures where I learned to quickly adapt and thrive in a changing environment. 

After 40 years, as an IT professional I retired from one of the top 10 Global energy companies where I managed culturally diverse teams locally, nationally, and globally. That experience reinforced my belief that leadership is not always about titles — it’s about cultivating leadership in others. I live by the principle “each one teach one”.  I have retired from corporate duties, but my real estate business keeps me plenty busy. 

 I ask for your vote as your next Nominating Committee Chair — not to decide who leads, but to protect the integrity of how we choose our leaders and to place the right Soror, in the right role at the right time!