High Point Schools Partnership is highlighting members of our Executive Council. Keep reading to learn more about Jakki Davis.
Q: Give us some background. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? What was your career path to get here?
A: I am originally from Lexington NC. I attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University where I met my husband Corvin, and we remained in Greensboro. I received my Business Administration/Management degree from A&T and Master of Educational Leadership from Strayer University. I have worked in the human service industry for a couple of decades and in 2007 Corvin and I started D-UP Inc; a grassroots education and fitness organization that was incorporated as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit in 2010 providing services across the Triad. In 2011, D-UP moved to the Washington Street Historic District in High Point during revitalization, and we absolutely love our community.
Q: What is your primary occupation/job title?
A: Executive Director of D-Up
Q: Why is the work of HPSP important to you?
A: Working as the Executive Director of a grassroots non-profit, that focuses on meeting the needs of our community; it has been imperative for us to partner with other community stakeholders to make a difference in the lives of our families. HPSP is one of those stakeholders for enrichment centers and our public schools. HPSP is committed to ensuring students learning opportunities are enhanced by providing necessary resources and support from collaborative efforts.
Q: What are your hopes for HPSP?
A: I have been a member of HPSP since 2020 and have had the opportunity to see the great impact made especially during COVID. There was no hesitation in working with GCS district leadership, school administrators, and enrichment centers to access the needs and offer support to our High Point schools navigating uncertain times. My hope is we will continue to listen, facilitate more community partnerships, and advocate for broader support, especially in regard to understanding the impact of Coronavirus on K-12 education (Academic, Behavioral, and Social-Emotional).
Q: The city of High Point is in a phase of “revitalization” what do you think this will look like when it is complete? What role do schools play in this process?
A: Revitalization efforts in High Point are already visible with the Downtown Catalyst Project, High Point Equity Project, and I must mention the new energy and life given in having a new City Manager and Police Chief. Economic growth and increasing safety are two shared interests High Pointers desire to see in revitalization efforts and just as equal are quality education, affordable housing, food security, and a healthy community. High Point schools will play an important role in the City’s revitalization as public-school systems support economic growth and workforce stability. This is all the need more for our community leaders, school administrators, teachers, staff, and families to continue to advocate for improvement in all our schools.
Q: Is there anything we haven’t asked yet that you want to share with our community?
A: I work every day with youth who deserve the very best, who deserve excellence! I challenge all of us to do our part in working together to ensure our youth have an opportunity to not only survive but thrive in life. They are counting on us!
Thank you so much Ms.Jakki for telling us a little more about yourself and why our work is meaningful to you. We look forward to hearing about more of the great things you do for the High Point Schools Partnership!
To find out more about High Point Schools Partnership and our work, please visit our Facebook page and check out our page on Guilford Education Alliance’s website.