Grace Jackson

About Grace Jackson

Hi everyone! I'm Grace Jackson a black, 17 year-old senior from Florida (LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace---jackson-/). I come from a single parent household supported by a single mom who supports three kids with three jobs. We were domestic violence survivors and homeless for about one month but that didn't stop me or my family from chasing success. Just a few years later we were fortunate enough to live in a home bought by my grandparents and began to thrive. Since my mom's voice was silenced, I believe very strongly in using one's voice for good and that's why I became a debater and non-profit worker.

I was the first in my school to become a national finalist as well as in my district (~20/25k US debaters become NSDA finalist). I won awards like Harvard Leadership, the John R. Lewis Medal and Emory University Gold Key Award. I worked hard on my team to make sure they had the opportunity to compete nationally like I did so our team joined 2 new circuits. I also wanted to help other young debaters outside of school which is why I work at a debate nonprofit as a coach and contributor. We've saved debater $120k in summer camp costs and created $200k+ in resources. I work to create resources and serve as a free coach to make debate more accessible. I also founded an initiate called Bake it Forward. We provide free baked goods to domestic violence shelters to foster community within them. I work closely with an organization called Safehouse to empower domestic violence victims through Bake it Forward as well as being a public speaker and marketing director for an anti-human trafficking NPO. I know the most powerful thing we have is our voice and I never want to stop using it for activism and change. I'd love to use it on your podcast and can't wait to meet you!