Shawon Jackson

Shawon Jackson (he/him) is the Founder and CEO of Vocal Justice, an organization dedicated to empowering Black and Brown youth through social justice education and public speaking. His work focuses on preparing young leaders to engage in advocacy and develop critical communication skills necessary for social change.

Background and Education

Shawon Jackson is a graduate of Princeton University and holds an MBA from Stanford University. His educational journey has been marked by a commitment to understanding social injustices, particularly as he minored in African-American studies during his time at Princeton. This academic background inspired him to create Vocal Justice, aiming to integrate social justice education into the learning experiences of young people.13

Vocal Justice

Founded with the mission to elevate the voices of undervalued youth, Vocal Justice engages participants in a justice-oriented public speaking program. The organization seeks to equip students with the tools needed for effective advocacy, focusing on issues such as voting rights and civil rights.14 Under Shawon's leadership, Vocal Justice has expanded its reach significantly, training teachers across the United States to implement its programs in schools, thereby impacting hundreds of students annually.12

Key Initiatives

• Public Speaking Programs: These programs are designed to help young people articulate their thoughts on social issues and advocate for change.
• Teacher Training: Vocal Justice trains educators to facilitate these programs, aiming to scale its impact from 29 teachers to 60 in the upcoming year.1
• Community Engagement: Shawon emphasizes building a community of supporters to enhance the organization's outreach and effectiveness.2

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional endeavors, Shawon enjoys dancing (particularly hip-hop and bachata) and has a penchant for Thai food. He also takes pleasure in photography, often seeking the perfect lighting for capturing moments with friends.2

Shawon Jackson's leadership at Vocal Justice reflects his commitment to fostering a generation of socially conscious leaders capable of advocating for equity and justice in their communities.