Meet Us Monday: Jackie, Board Member

Born in Conway, SC and a proud Hopewell resident for 64 years, Jackie brings a lifetime of nonprofit leadership experience, having served with organizations like Rebuilding Together Richmond, Southside Family Connections, and the Hopewell Police Chief’s Advisory Board.

Professionally, Jackie spent 35 years as a paralegal and served 8½ years on Hopewell City Council, including 2 years as Mayor. Jackie is also deeply active in her faith community at Unity Baptist Church and is known to many children in Hopewell schools as “Madame Butterfly” — teaching the life cycle of butterflies to over 1,000 children last year alone.

Her passion for REAL LIFE was ignited after the tragic loss of an 8-year-old girl to gun violence in Hopewell. Deeply moved, she felt called to do more — and found purpose and partnership with REAL LIFE’s violence prevention efforts. Jackie regularly joins peace walks through communities most impacted by violence and supports efforts like food distribution, mentoring, and outreach.

“REAL LIFE has given me another chapter in my life to remind others: You are worth it. It’s like another family to me — one that brings me so much joy.”

We’re incredibly proud to have Jackie on our team – first as a volunteer – and now as a board member. Her compassion, leadership, and community spirit are an inspiration to us all.