Check out the entire series: Nina, Kyndra, Paris, Carlos, and Nicky.
Celebrating Our Women Leaders –
Carlos Jackson, Pathways Intervention Specialist:
“I was at Church yesterday; we have virtual worship on zoom. I made sure all the songs we did were by women, so we were honoring all our women. Women’s History Month is just as important as any other celebration. It’s like what James Brown says: It’s a man’s world but a man wouldn’t be anything without a woman.’ We would not be here without women.
“My wife, Ashley, is the one who inspired me to get into this work. She used to work at YA. When I learned about what YA does, going into the hospitals, violence interruption, and trying to break cycles of violence, I was intrigued. I was already doing that kind of work through the church, and so learning that it could be a career was appealing.
“For me, this work feels like a calling. I like being able to go back into the community and give back, being older and wiser, being able to plant seeds for others. When I think about the women in my life, I would love for them to get equity and equality. Black women are the most educated women in America, and all women—regardless of race—do not get paid the same amount as their male counterparts. It’s still a male-dominated world. I’d like to see women get their just due. Another woman who inspired me was a woman named Tammy who was with our Khadafy Washington Project. She saw potential in me. I need to salute (YA! Director of Programs) Kyndra as well. She does a lot behind the scenes and makes things happen for our clients. I’d also like to highlight my Youth ALIVE! colleague Sasha. Her story is deep. She has overcome a lot to get to where she is at, and I have a lot of respect for her.”
When I think about the women in my life, I would love for them to get equity and equality.