We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erin Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Erin , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As a Black woman, I had to learn to believe in myself and know that I deserve the same opportunities as my non-Black counterparts. That wasn’t always easy, but my parents, who grew up in the ‘50s and ‘60s, showed me what resilience looks like. They broke down so many barriers, proving that we belong in every space, no matter who tries to say otherwise.
Because of them, I don’t see being the only one in the room as a disadvantage—it’s a reminder of the strength and sacrifices that got me here. I’ve learned to own my space, speak up, and make sure my presence is felt. I prepare, I push forward, and I bring others with me, because the goal isn’t just to be the only one in the room—it’s to open the door for more to follow.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the founder of The Jonathan Brown Mental Health Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to making mental health care more accessible, especially for Black women, girls, and BIPOC communities. We cover the cost of therapy, medication, and other essential services to ensure that those who need help can get it without financial barriers.
What’s most exciting about this work is seeing the real impact it has—people getting the support they deserve and knowing they’re not alone. Mental health care shouldn’t be a privilege, and I’m committed to making sure it isn’t.
Right now, my goal is to continue fundraising so we can reach even more people. I’m hoping to host my first in-person event by fall, and I’m working on expanding beyond Phoenix to serve communities in even greater ways.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were confidence, knowledge, and empathy. Confidence allowed me to take up space and advocate for myself and my mission, even when I was the only one in the room. Knowledge gave me the tools to navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and grow my nonprofit. And empathy has been at the heart of everything I do—it’s what drives me to keep fighting for people who need support.
For anyone just starting out, my best advice is to not give up. There will be days when it feels like you’re not making an impact, but you have to keep pushing forward. The work you’re doing matters, and even when it’s hard, there are brighter days ahead. Keep going.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I’m always open to partnering with new or well-established nonprofits, as well as any mental health advocates. There’s no room for competition when it comes to mental health—we should all band together to make a real impact on the culture. If you’re passionate about making mental health care more accessible and want to collaborate, let’s connect and make a difference together.
Contact Info:
- Website: erin@thejonathanbrownmentalhealthfoundation.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-jonathan-brown-mental-health-foundation/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
