Jack & Jill of America

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It was 1938 … when racial injustice and segregation were undeniably woven into our country’s narrative. A group of African American mothers set forth to create a safe and nurturing space for children to thrive. These visionaries believed in a more equitable future for their sons and daughters – cultivated through leadership development, educational programs and community service initiatives. Telischa Lewis elaborates, “After more than eight decades, Jack & Jill of America still aims to inspire the next generation and the future of the African American community. Many prominent figures in various fields – politics, businesses, education and the arts – credit their success, in part, to involvement with Jack & Jill of America.”  She serves as Jack & Jill of America Greater Little Rock Chapter President and expounds on the organization’s legacy. 

A native of Mississippi, family has always been a cornerstone for Telischa. “I was fortunate to be raised in a supportive environment that encouraged me to be active and excel in everything I pursued. My mother remains a powerful influence in my life.”  She remembers being aware of Jack & Jill of America and its impact in communities. Her older sister and triplet siblings have been involved in local chapters. “It was a natural fit for me to join.” Telischa works as a nurse practitioner at the VA. “My family’s commitment to service ignited my own passion for helping others, which led me to pursue this career. This role has also expanded my service beyond local borders through mission trips.” She notes these global experiences are motivation for her own continued leadership.

The Jack & Jill of America Greater Little Rock Chapter was established in 2000. Nationally, the organization boasts 270+ chapters that serve 50,000+ families each year. Through strategic programming, the organization addresses issues impacting African American children and families. “We give back to the communities where we live, work and play. Our statewide programs lay a strong foundation for lifelong success.” As the local chapter plans to commemorate 25 years of mission fulfillment work, Telischa is excited about the most recent initiative and the inaugural Youth Excellence Awards – dedicated to honoring outstanding students. With more than 70 submissions, the awards ceremony will not disappoint. “Spotlighting the incredible abilities of children at an early age encourages a new generation of leaders. It is also an important fundraiser.” 

Telischa believes life is a journey and civic responsibility is part of our shared humanity. She recognizes all the women who have invested energy and resources to Jack & Jill of America. “At a time when African American families faced systemic barriers, our mom-led membership organization stepped in to build partnerships. Today, our brand is synonymous with excellence and service. Our work goes beyond just creating opportunities for children; it’s about empowering families, fostering unity and making a lasting impact on communities across the country.”

EXTRA Fun Facts!

Greatest Acheivement < to date >

“Every day, I strive to fulfill what I believe is my purpose here on Earth. Just when I feel I’ve achieved something significant, another seed is planted in my spirit, urging me to go further. That’s the beautiful thing about life—it’s an ongoing journey. I embrace each new goal and adventure with anticipation, knowing that my greatest achievement is always ahead of me.”

Best Advice

“It came from my mother, who always said, ‘You have to be your own advocate and advocate for others who can’t do it themselves.’ Growing up, she taught me the importance of speaking up for myself, standing firm in my values, and not waiting for others to make things happen for me. This advice has been invaluable in both my personal and professional life, especially as I’ve navigated leadership roles and worked to make a meaningful impact in my community. It’s reminded me that I am responsible for my own journey and that I have the power to shape my future.”

Advice to Share

“Embrace every challenge as an opportunity for growth and to never stop learning.”

 “Life is full of ups and downs, and while it’s easy to get discouraged by setbacks, I believe every challenge offers a lesson if we’re open to it. Whether it’s in our personal lives or professional endeavors, there’s always room to grow, adapt, and improve. I also emphasize the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive influences—people who uplift us and help us stay focused on our goals. Lastly, I remind them that self-care and balance are essential. We can’t give our best to others unless we’re taking care of ourselves first.”

Love to Meet- Michelle Obama

“I admire her not only for her role as First Lady but also for how she has used her platform to empower and inspire others, particularly women and young girls. Her book, Becoming, was incredibly enlightening for me—it was powerful to read about her upbringing, the challenges she faced, and how she ultimately found her voice. Her story of resilience and self-discovery truly resonated with me, and I would love to have a deeper conversation with her about the experiences that shaped her and the lessons she learned along the way.”

Jack & Jill of America

http://jackandjillinc.org

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