Meet Summer Jackson

We were lucky to catch up with Summer Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Summer, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Many of us have heard that life is a journey. I believe finding one’s purpose is deeply connected to that journey. For me, it all comes back to my faith and trusting that little voice that says, “go,” “not that way,” or even, simply “not yet.”
I have learned that delay, does ot mean denial. Often, along the way, it is through the peaks and valleys, successes and set-backs that ulitmately lead us to our purpose.
In addition, to making making an impact on viewers and audiences, as a Television and Journlist, I also believe teaching, inspiring and educating others is part of my purpose, as well.

I have always loved working as a TV Journalist and in the field of communications, however, I did not realize that my journey would include teaching until I attended Graduate School at Howard University, where I was granted a Teaching Assistantship Scholarship, which included me teaching Public Speaking. The opportuit as truly a full circle moment, since I won my first speaking competition, at age 8, winning the district wide speech competition and going on to compete both locally and nationally throughout high school.

My experience in the classroom, during graduate school, opened doors for me to teach the next generation of Journalists and Communications Scholars. I knew that even while continuing to work on-air in television, I also wanted to teach at the college level. I am grateful, to still work in television, as the Host of “Atlanta Plugged In,” on Atlanta News First (CBS), and to have the opportunity to teach and inspire the next generation at Clark Atlanta University, where I teach Journalism, Communications and Public Speaking.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am both practioner and scholar. I am a television show host, with many years of experience in television journalism and communications. Additionally, I teach journalism, communications and public speaking at Clark Atlanta University, in Atlanta, Georgia. I am often called on to work with major brands and to host/emcee events for organizations. Most recently, the Southern Crescent Women in Business, gave me an award for hosting/emceeing, during their 5th anniversary gala. In October 2023, the InspireU Network, will also award me with the resilient award. I am grateful for my most recent awards from two amazing organizations.

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?
Three qualities, skills or areas of knowledge that have most impacted my journey, include faith, perserverance and strong communications skills.

My adice for folks who are early in their journey should learn everything they can about their area of specialization–become an expert. Do not be afraid to speak-up, meet new people and to just go for it! The more you educate yourself about your field, you will also build your confidence, which will give you the power to push forward!

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents have done man impactful things for me. Really too many too list in this box, however, some of the most impactful things my parents did for me was always loving me, supporting me and teaching me to have faith in God.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
(Black Top & Polka Dot Skirt): @Brandnewconsulting (Brown Hat): @starksfilms (White Dress): @twrphotography (Cream Blouse Holding Mic): Amari Akua, Multi-Hyphenate Media

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