Empowering Dreams - Dr. Shenika Jackson

In the heart of the Englewood Community in Chicago, where challenges often outnumber opportunities, Dr. Shenika Jackson stands as a beacon of hope, reshaping the lives of young individuals through education and empowerment. Dr. Jackson, a life-long advocate for education, is one of the driving forces behind the non-profit organization, “My Foundation: Street Smarts to Great Starts Corp.”

Dr. Jackson started her journey in social services with internships that lead to a career working tirelessly to assist those who were formerly incarcerated and veterans transitioning to civilian life. For a decade, she focused on providing stable and affordable housing to veterans, recognizing the critical need for support in their post-military lives. Around 2013, witnessing the slow disappearances of trade classes in schools and the closure of 50 schools in predominantly black and brown neighborhoods, Dr. Jackson recognized a growing gap in support provided to high school students preparing for higher education or the trade sector. Having served in the community for decades she was perfectly positioned to making a lasting impact. In 2015, Dr. Jackson embarked on a journey to earn her doctorate, and in 2017, she co-founded Street Smarts to Great Starts Inc. with a high school friend.

The first project, My College Going Self was launched as a pilot project for an all-African American male group of high school students in March of 2017. This initiative focuses on guiding students through college applications, resource fairs, and the transition from high school to further education or employment.