Nonprofit CEO Regina Jackson Worries About How to Keep Kids Safe in These Turbulent Times

Featuring a broad cross-section of women who have distinguished themselves across a rich variety of careers, our Portraits of Power series is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Black Enterprise, and of Black women. It’s a place for today’s businesswomen to share their own favorite images and their own stories, in their own words. Today’s portrait is the head of the East Oakland Youth Development Center, Regina Jackson.

Regina Jackson

President & CEO, East Oakland Youth Development Center

Nickname:­­­­­­­­ Gina

My first job was weekend receptionist for a real estate company.

My big break came when was hired as Executive Director for the East Oakland Youth Development Center (EOYDC).

I’ve had to work hardest at reorganizing/rebuilding the organization.

I never imagined I would be thinking about transitioning.

I wish I’d learned sooner that we can be the masters of our soul.

The risk I regret not taking is … I am a risk taker so I have not regretted any risk I took.

If I could design my fantasy self-care day, it would be spent getting a massage and doing yoga at a beach in the Caribbean or Africa.

Worry about my kids’ safety (personal and those at the center) and how to protect them as much as possible keeps me up at night.

When I’m struggling, I say to myself, “Nothing to it but to do it … Yes I can.”

I am unapologetically Black, proud, and female.

Portraits of Power is a yearlong series of candid insights from exceptional women leaders. It is brought to you by ADP.