Meet the Team: Toyna Jackson
8/31/2022
Toyna Jackson is the Operations Associate and Executive Assistant at JPEF. She brings more than 20 years of experience to the role, including 17 years at Northeast Florida Public Employees Union.
Tell us a little bit about you and how you came to JPEF.
I am a Jacksonville native, married, with four beautiful children. I love to travel, near and abroad while trying different foods from different cultures. I enjoy spending time with my family, from a day at the amusement park or just hanging out enjoying each other’s company over a tasty crab boil. In my spare time I enjoy reading a good book and listening to music from all genres. One of my favorite slogans, is love is not love, until it is given away. If would ask my friends, who is Toyna, they would say that I’m an easy-going person that love helping others and if she’s your friend, she a friend indeed and in-deed!
I heard of the great work that JPEF was doing in the community and thought that I would be a good fit for the support that was needed here.
Why does public education matter to you personally?
It pretty much assures a brighter future for us as a community when we invest in our children which is our future. Public education is important to me simply becauseI’m a recipient of the public education school system. I believe that education provides stability in life, and it's something that no one can take away from you once you obtain it. Education increases your chances for a great career and a great livelihood.
We know you have a real passion and purpose for nonprofit work. Can you tell us why this is so important to you and what you hope to accomplish this next year at JPEF?
Early in my career, I worked for the DCPS with a Teen Parent Program which was located at one of our local high schools. Which later lead me to the private/corporate sector with Bright Horizons Inc. who serviced the Bank of America employees with the care of their children from infants to elementary age. Later to return to the DCPS System to working at middle school in a clerical role. Which brings me to why I have a passion and purpose for nonprofit development.
- I have a passion and I believe that there is a purpose for nonprofit development here and in our surrounding area because it helps bring awareness to others of the great need that we have in the educational field. By initiating efforts in our community that will lessen the opportunity gap for our low-income students and students of color here in the Duval County area. Through initiatives we can help lessen the need by doing what we can do to make a brighter & fulfilling educational system here in our city and abroad.
- I have worked in the nonprofit sector close to 17 years, I enjoy serving others in the community by using my administrative and office managerial skills. I plan to use my skills to help make sure that the efforts of JPEF are accomplished and successful. It brings me a sense of accomplishment and joy when I know that I have made a positive impact in others’ lives which bring about a real social impact in our society. Which leads to quality education, no poverty, good health and economic growth.