Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Jackson Grown Expert Leader Day 2025

March 14th, 2025

Each year, Jackson Grown hosts one of its signature events, Expert Leader Day. The meeting provides students with an invaluable opportunity to connect with local professionals with deep knowledge of fields which the students will be addressing at the Annual Challenge to the City in May. This engagement with local experts is designed to inspire, educate, and equip students with strategies to address real-world challenges within their community. Here are some of the remarkable insights and takeaways from this year’s event:

Carita Cole, Mentor, describing her journey as a singer, songwriter and performer to Aaron Hardin and Ja’Vieon Bradley.

Developing Spaces for Youth Engagement

Keilan White, a Junior from Jackson Central-Merry, connected with Lauren Kirk, Executive Vice President of Community Impact, United Way of West Tennessee and Yvette Nisbett, District Homeless Liaison at Jackson Madison County School System, to explore solutions for creating safe spaces where youth can gather after school. Through their guidance, Keilan learned about the Jackson’s master planning resources, particularly the "Future of Jackson Plaza Subarea" documents. This provided insight regarding how thoughtful urban planning can foster community growth while preventing the displacement of local businesses. The discussion with Lauren and Yvette, also gave Keilan perspective on the value of qualitative surveys to gather community feedback and support his proposed solutions.

Lauren Kirk, Executive Vice President of Community Impact, shows Keilan "Future of Jackson Plaza Subarea" documents.

Media Awareness for Nonprofit Support

Desi Starbard, Junior at South Side High School, worked with media expert Steve Bowers, a Member of the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame, to better understand the role of media in nonprofit outreach. Over the course of the discussion, Desi was able to better understand why, even with the prominence of social and traditional media, many people remain unaware of available resources or what steps might need to be taken to qualify for assistance. By tracking attendance at local support centers such as RIFA and monitoring changes in homelessness rates, Desi found a meaningful way that he could potentially measure success in boosting media exposure for nonprofits.

Steve Bowers with JEA communicates with Desi during Expert Leader Day.

Finding Creative Solutions for Artistic Expression

Ja'Vieon Bradley, a Senior from JCM Early College High met with Aaron Hardin, Director of the Carnegie Center for Arts and History, to explore ways to expand artistic opportunities for youth. Aaron shared practical solutions such as organizing pop-up shows, joining art clubs, and utilizing blank walls as creative canvases to “meet people where they are.” Javieon learned that measuring success involves setting both short- and long-term goals, establishing clear timelines, and allowing for reflection to assess progress.

Aaron Hardin, Photographer, and Fellow, Ja’Vieon.

Promoting School Cleanliness

Makayla Bond collaborated with Derek Marshall Jr., Recycling Coordinator with the City of Jackson, to address the challenge of maintaining clean schools. Makayla identified key causes such as a lack of home training, accountability, and responsibility among students. Mr. Marshall recommended creating two student teams to clean restrooms at key intervals throughout the day — 8 a.m., after lunch, and between classes.

Derek Marshall Jr. explains to Makayla his ideas on how schools could be kept clean.

Encouraging Youth to Care About Education

Jaycee Tayor benefitted from a wide range of expertise in exploring strategies that inspire youth to care more about their education. These conversations led her to consider tangible efforts such as introducing intergenerational mentors in high schools. Additionally, Jaycee and her experts discussed environmental factors that may impact student focus, including classroom temperature, desk comfort, and whether the learning environment feels colorful or bland. She reflected on whether these seemingly small details can significantly affect student engagement and attention.

Dianne Sherrod, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist, with Fellow, Jaycee Taylor.

Supporting Traumatized Youth

Kemora Edgeston worked with mentor Summer Nichols to explore how mentors can support children and teens who have experienced past trauma or neglect. Summer highlighted the impact of social media, explaining how constant access to information can contribute to feelings of low self-worth and reduced concentration in kids, teens, and young adults. This conversation helped Kemora better understand the emotional challenges youth face and the critical role mentors can play in their recovery and growth

London and Jacorey learning from their experts during meeting 7.

Spreading Mental Health Awareness

During his session, Dylan Hall, a Junior at Jackson Central-Merry High School, received valuable resources from Mary Sims, an expert in addressing issues of mental health. Dylan was surprised by how much he learned, including the importance of the “988” mental health hotline. Mary, formerly the Regional Coordinator of the National Alliance for Mental Illness, reminded Dylan and the group that "it’s okay to not be okay," reinforcing the importance of mental health education and awareness.

Mary Sims educates Dylan on the importance of mental health resources.

Improving School Meal Sustainability

Jacorey Garrett, a Senior from Jackson Central-Merry High School, explored ways to facilitate more sustainable school lunches with Ginny Hatch, Nutritional Director at Humboldt City Schools who explained the strict nutritional guidelines food service teams must follow. Working alongside London Ansley, a Junior from Madison Academic High School, she and Jacorey better understood the value of student surveys to understand what students would prefer to eat while ensuring meals align with regulations. This practical approach aims to improve meal satisfaction without compromising nutrition standards.

Ginny Hatch and Eva Lopez, Financial Empowerment Counselor, communicate with Fellows, Jacorey and London.

Encouraging Safe Driving Practices

Alfonzo Garcia from South Side High School has demonstrated a passion for promoting safe driving practices. He shared his motivation as stemming from the tragic loss of close friends and family members due to unsafe driving. He met with Jason Ivey, Deputy Director/Program Management Administrator with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, who offered Alfonzo both comfort and advice. Mr. Ivey emphasized that while Alfonzo can’t control how others respond to safety campaigns, he can lead by example by following traffic laws and promoting responsible driving habits.

Alfonzo speaks on what he learned during his zoom call with Jason Ivey.

Inspiring Change, One Student at a Time

The insights gained during Expert Leader Day demonstrate the power of mentorship and community collaboration. By connecting students with experienced leaders, Jackson Grown equips the next generation to identify challenges, explore solutions, and create meaningful change. 

We are incredibly proud of our students' dedication and the thoughtful ideas they’ve developed to improve Jackson’s future.

Chasity Roberson, tnAchieves Lead Director of COMPLETE - West TN, and Ashley Coleman, Aspell Woman’s Residential Program Coordinator/Counselor help South Side Junior Fellow, Jaycee, work through her challenge and solution on “youth caring about their education”.