Hello, I’m Shereka Jackson a native of Phoenix, Arizona. My goal was to attend college in Atlanta however God had another plan for my life.  I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems and Operations Management.  After graduation I returned to my high school to coach basketball and mentor young ladies.  While coaching and engaging in my community I received my MBA in Technology Management.  Along the way I also completed my certificate in Non Profit Management from ASU Lodestar.  Currently I am the project manager for the codePHX program that began five years ago in the City of Phoenix.  In partnership with the Library and Parks and Recreation Departments, the codePHX program is currently in 12 locations providing free coding classes. 
 
I have mentored and worked with youth for over 25 years and in 2008 I started Future Stars, Inc. a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide opportunities for inner city youth to achieve their goals in higher education with a focus on sports and technology.  Future Stars continues to increase the number of youth choosing to seek higher education and pursue studies in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Currently I host a Hands On STEM program in the South Phoenix community. The Hands On STEM program allows students to learn science, technology, engineering and math with hands on activities. 
 
The Hands On STEM program celebrated 5 years in September 2020 and is in two community centers.  Over 200 students have participated in the program.  The Hands On STEM program opened the doors to the Hands On STEM Fair as a way to celebrate students for completing the nine-month program. The Hands On STEM Fair has grown over the past four years to approximately 1000 attendees.
 
Outside of Future Stars Inc. I volunteer with other organizations within the community.  I am a Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc, Phoenix Metro Chapter and Scholarship Chair for the University of Arizona Black Alumni. I graduated from the Valley Leadership Institute Class 39 and the African American Leadership Institute. The knowledge gained from both Institutes enhanced my roles as the chair of Far West Region Information Communication Technology Committee and Secretary/Treasurer for the State of Black Arizona.
 
I am thankful to have been recognized for my work in the community by receiving many awards:  selected by the Phoenix Business Journal in 2010 as one of the Forty under 40, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc Phi Iota Chapter Citizen of the Year Award, NAACP East Valley Education Award, Arizona Commission on African American Affairs and Arizona African American Legislative and Leadership Planning Committee Youth Award and was featured in the Spring 2018 Eller Business College Magazine for the University of Arizona Alumni.