Speaker

Jackie entered foster care at just eighteen months old due to his parents’ struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. Throughout his time in the system, he rotated through numerous homes and shelters, enduring traumatic transitions and even a failed adoption at the age of five. The very system meant to protect him ultimately failed, subjecting him to further abuse. However, amidst these bleak experiences, Jackie found hope when he was successfully adopted at the age of thirteen. Now, he speaks publicly about his journey through foster care, adoption, and abuse, using his voice as a platform to raise awareness and advocate for youth in the foster care system. Reflecting on his journey, Jackie notes, “I was able to surpass the initial prospects set before me—failure or imprisonment—by using hope as a lodestar.”

Jackie went on to graduate from the University of North Texas (UNT) with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. During his time at UNT, he co-founded the award-winning organization Persevere Until Success Happens (PUSH), where he served as both President and Vice President. What began as a grassroots effort is now a full-fledged university program, dedicated to supporting foster care alumni at UNT. This program provides educational support and a sense of community for foster care alumni on campus. Jackie’s work and leadership have led to invitations to speak at numerous conferences and panels across Texas and other states, where he educates and trains advocates and professionals working with children in the foster care system.

His dedication to community service and advocacy has earned him several prestigious awards. In 2014, his classmates and peers voted him the recipient of the UNT Social Work Student Award. In January 2015, he was honored with the Fanny Bell Gaupp Award and Scholarship, a recognition of his impactful community work. He was also acknowledged by State Senator Pat Fallon, who presented him with a resolution that was shared with the Texas House of Representatives. Following his success at UNT, Jackie was selected as the Commencement Speaker for the 2015 graduating class. By August 2017, he had earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA).

While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Jackie worked as a Youth Care Worker at Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home, directly supporting children in the foster care system. In 2015, he took on the role of Youth Transition Specialist with MHMR Tarrant County, where he helped youth aged 16 to 21 transition into adulthood. His commitment to these children has fostered long-lasting relationships, and Jackie continues to be a symbol of hope, reminding them that they matter. He has also contributed to broader systemic change, serving on the Texas Supreme Court’s Children’s Commission workgroup and as a Parent Advisor for the Reese-Jones Clinic.

Today, Jackie serves as a Supervisor at Dallas CASA and is the Vice President of Educate REACH for Texans, an organization dedicated to eliminating barriers to post-secondary education for foster youth. He is also a mentor for the International Student Foundation (ISF) and continues his involvement as an Advisor for the UNT PUSH Program. In recognition of his work, Jackie has received awards from Friends for Open Heart and was honored with the Rising Star Award by the UNT Alumni Association.

In addition to his advocacy, Jackie uses his art to visually narrate the stories of adverse childhood experiences and promote mental health awareness. He has led creative workshops for former foster youth and continues to share his story through public speaking, using both his words and art to inspire and advocate for those who have faced similar challenges.