The Empowerment Network Introduces John Jackson as Step-Up Omaha! Director
The Empowerment Network (www.empoweromaha.com) is excited to announce John Jackson as the new StepUp Omaha! (www.stepupomaha.com) director. Jackson comes to the Empowerment Network from his position as an educator at Omaha North High, Omaha Public Schools District, and associate professor with the University of Nebraska Omaha.
“We have been fortunate and blessed to work with John for a number of years in various capacities,” said Willie Barney, CEO and founder of the Empowerment Network. “His amazing work with students and his background in leadership and management will benefit all of our Step-Up interns, families, and partners.”
Step-Up Omaha! recruits, trains, prepares, and places Omaha youth and young adults ages 14 to 21 in mutually beneficial paid summer and year round jobs and work experience opportunities. Since 2008, the collective has connected 6,000 youth and young adults to career exploration, hands-on job training, internships, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and leadership.
In Omaha, Jackson is probably best known for his work to create, launch, and grow the Black Student Leadership Council at North High. It is a highly successful and well recognized model that has the potential to be expanded to students across the city. Student leadership and youth voice are two of the most important components for Step-Up Omaha!
“The Empowerment Network Board of Directors could not be happier with the addition of John Jackson as director of Step-Up Omaha! His previous professional experience and accomplishments give him the right perspective to keep Step-Up Omaha! moving forward,” said Timothy Christian, president of the Empowerment Network Board of Directors.
In addition to his recent work, John has led dynamic teams, implemented database and tracking systems, worked in the nonprofit/social service sector, government, education, and has experience with entrepreneurship. His ability to collaborate with many organizations and businesses will also benefit Step-Up Omaha!
“I count it as an honor and privilege to become a part of the Empowerment Network team as the new director of Step-Up,” said Jackson. “Over the last several years I have had several opportunities to participate in and observe several events sponsored by the Empowerment Network. Now the time has come to be an active participant of the sustained work and efforts of this great organization and I am excited to contribute to the edification of our young people, our community, and the cities we will serve.”
Jackson is dedicated to life-long learning and is preparing to continue work on his doctorate degree in education. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis and a master’s of education from Concordia University in St. Paul.
As a teacher and professor, Jackson has taught in Omaha and Minneapolis at the high school and collegiate levels. He also has a background in strategic planning, program and project management, policy, and regulation. His experience with budget oversight, grant writing, and evaluation will also benefit the organization and growth of the program.
To learn more about Step-Up Omaha!, visit www.stepupomaha.com.
The Empowerment Network, in collaboration with community partners, are working to provide opportunities for youth and young adults to gain valuable job training and work experience during the summer and beyond. To learn more, visit www.empoweromaha.com or call (402) 502-3763.