Meet Kristy Jackson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristy Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Kristy , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
I’ve learned that being “the only one in the room” isn’t just about isolation—it’s also about illumination. When you’re the first, the only, or the different one, you have a unique opportunity to shift the atmosphere, challenge assumptions, and make space for others. That’s not easy. I’ve walked into plenty of boardrooms, summits, and leadership spaces as the only Black woman, the first in many of my leadership roles, or the lone voice blending faith with innovation. But I’ve also learned that my presence alone is a form of disruption—and that disruption is needed.

What has sustained me is my deep faith, my calling to serve, and a commitment to multiply access. I don’t just want to be “in the room”—I want to hold the door open for others to walk in confidently. That’s why I designed the LIFE (Leadership, Innovation, Faith, Economic Mobility) Leadership Lab, a fellowship designed to equip individuals, nonprofit or ministry leaders with the tools, vision, and strategy to lead boldly in their communities and in the marketplace. Whether you’re leading a grassroots nonprofit or growing a church-based outreach, the LIFE Lab is a space where purpose-driven leadership is cultivated with excellence.

I believe we don’t have to sacrifice our authenticity for access. And we don’t need permission to lead—we just need preparation, faith, and partners who believe in our vision. I’m not just showing up anymore—I’m building the SheCan Social House, creating labs, and designing ecosystems where being the “only one” won’t be the norm.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Kristy Jackson, the daughter of a Dreamer (My Mom) and Disruptor (My Dad) and at my core, I’m a faith-driven visionary who builds what I wish existed—spaces where faith, leadership, and innovation are not only welcomed but accessible. As the founding Executive Director of the Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) at Harris-Stowe State University—the only HBCU in St. Louis—I’ve led a bold vision to serve over 1,200 scholars and entrepreneurs, manage an $5M budget, and launched global trade courses and experiences for Black and Brown leaders.

I’m also the founder of the SheCan Connect Global Network, a nonprofit organization convening and training women to lead with faith and impact. What started as a local meetup is now a vibrant global sisterhood of over 300 women, offering leadership training, pitch competitions, retreats, and a signature fellowship: the LIFE Institute Leadership Lab.

The LIFE Institute is my heartwork. It’s a hybrid leadership lab that I designed to equip individuals, nonprofit and ministry leaders—especially those with small teams and big missions—with the skills, strategies, and soul to grow sustainable impact. We focus on Leadership, Innovation, Faith, and Economic Mobility—because our communities need more than vision; they need tools, funding, and transformation. We’re currently expanding through corporate and church partnerships to deepen our reach and multiply leaders across the globe.

I am truly grateful that I don’t do this work alone. I’m married to James Jackson,II, a fellow entrepreneur and owner of Gator MediaSTL. He’s not just my husband—he’s my sounding board, my tech genius, and the one who reminds me that our wildest dreams are always worth building. Together, we’ve modeled what it looks like to dream big and do the work by opening the first black owned incubator space called the DK Annex. When the pandemic hit, everything changed. We had to make the difficult decision to close our doors. Losing the DK Annex felt like losing a piece of our purpose. But that season of loss also became a seed. It taught us how to rebuild with deeper roots and even bolder vision. Out of that grief came growth—new programs, new platforms, and a renewed mission to create spaces where others could rise, even when life knocks them down.

We’re also proud parents to two incredible daughters. Kelsie is a multi-hyphenate creative—a songwriter, entrepreneur, and visionary in her own right. And our youngest, Jada, is serving active duty in the U.S. Navy as part of the elite Blue Angels. This team serves as ambassadors of goodwill bringing aviation to men, women, and children across America. Watching them work in their purpose reminds me every day why I lead with legacy in mind.

From launching programs to rebuilding after loss, my story is one of faith over fear, creativity over conformity, and community over competition. My life mission is simple: to help people —especially women of color—reach their full potential, and to ensure they’re never the only one again.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I can name three qualities that have shaped everything about my leadership journey: courage, creativity, confidence and conviction.

Courage – You need courage to start, but even more to keep going. Courage isn’t about the absence of fear—it’s about moving forward even when the path is unclear. I’ve had to make bold decisions with limited resources, walk into rooms where no one looked like me, and rebuild after losing the DK Annex during the pandemic. My advice? Practice courage daily in small ways—say yes to opportunities before you feel ready, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Creativity – As a multi-passionate leader, I’ve learned to see innovation not just as a business skill, but as a spiritual one. Creativity helped me reimagine how we serve nonprofit and ministry leaders through the LIFE Institute Leadership Lab, launch my podcast – ConnectHER, and it’s the lens through which I design curricula and curate spaces for community. My advice? Protect your creativity by giving yourself space to think differently and be inspired. Every great solution starts with inspiration to imagine a better way.

Confidence & Conviction – My faith is the foundation of my confidence and everything I build. It’s the reason I lead boldly, the reason I don’t shrink in tough rooms, and the reason I believe in the impossible. When you lead from confidence and conviction, people can feel it. My advice? Stay rooted in your values, and let your “why” lead your decisions—not just your resume or your revenue goals. Don’t be afraid to shine your light!

Whether you’re just getting started or rebuilding something from the ground up, remember this: your leadership doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be impactful. The world needs your unique voice, your bold ideas, and your God-given purpose—Boldly and Unapologetically.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely—collaboration is at the heart of everything I do.

I’m currently seeking strategic partners, sponsors, and visionary collaborators who are ready to build with boldness and purpose. Specifically:
For the SheCan Social House project – We’re developing a physical space that blends co-working, wellness, lodging, and leadership retreats for women of faith and impact. I’m looking for investors, real estate partners, donors, and design collaborators who believe in creating generational spaces for women to grow and gather.

For ConnectHER: The Bold Life Podcast – I’m inviting bold women leaders, change agents, and multi-passionate creatives to join me as guests. If you’ve got a story that blends faith, fire, and fearless living—I want to hear it. We’re also exploring brand sponsors and cross-promotions with platforms aligned with women’s leadership and innovation.

For the LIFE Institute Leadership Lab – I’m looking to collaborate with corporations, churches, and global organizations that want to develop mission-driven leaders and support capacity-building for nonprofit and ministry professionals. Whether through sponsorships, speaker partnerships, or co-branded fellowships—we’re building an ecosystem where purpose and leadership collide.

If you’re reading this and something in your spirit says, “this is the kind of impact I want to be part of,”—let’s talk. You can connect with me at [email protected] or visit www.shecanconnectgn.org to explore how we can build something world-changing together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Gator MediaSTL
Church Productions
Tyler Small

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