December 2021 Featured Interview
Nonprofit Leader Finds Joy in Helping
Youth and Adults Build Brighter Futures
Interview with
Stacy Jackson
Executive Director of Chicago Lights
Photo Courtesy: Chicago Lights
About Stacy:
Stacy Jackson is the executive director of Chicago Lights, a community outreach organization at Fourth Presbyterian Church that provides hope and opportunity to Chicago’s children, youth and adults who face the challenges of poverty.
Stacy has been with the nonprofit and its predecessor organization, Partners in Education, since 1996 and has over 25 years of experience in youth development and volunteer management. She leads with her passion for serving diverse communities and cultivating relationships with coaching staff leaders. Before becoming Executive Director, Stacy served for three years as Associate Executive Director of Chicago Lights with primary oversight for programs serving children. Prior to this, she served as Director of the Tutoring and Summer Day programs.
Stacy has been with the nonprofit and its predecessor organization, Partners in Education, since 1996 and has over 25 years of experience in youth development and volunteer management. She leads with her passion for serving diverse communities and cultivating relationships with coaching staff leaders. Before becoming Executive Director, Stacy served for three years as Associate Executive Director of Chicago Lights with primary oversight for programs serving children. Prior to this, she served as Director of the Tutoring and Summer Day programs.
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Since becoming Executive Director in 2012, Stacy has focused on board development in addition to leading teams to strategically expand program services. She also managed the program to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Tutoring Program in 2014 and gained national exposure.
About Chicago Lights:
Chicago Lights is a leading organization in youth development and compassionate social service that creates opportunities for Chicagoans to overcome systemic barriers and lead fulfilling lives. Through successful, proven programs that focus on areas that include mentoring, supportive services, academic enrichment, career development, and arts education, Chicago Lights partners with youth and adults to build brighter futures and achieve their ambitions.
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Myrna Beth Haskell, executive editor, spoke with Stacy about the organization’s diverse programs, her leadership style, and the many success stories she has witnessed over the years.
When did you start working for Chicago Lights, and what initially drew you to the organization?
Chicago Lights was founded by the Fourth Presbyterian Church here in Chicago’s Mag Mile area on Michigan Avenue [Magnificent Mile is an upscale area known as Chicago’s premier commercial district].
I believe the universe puts you where you’re supposed to be. In 1996, I was working across the street from the church at a radio station in the John Hancock Center. At the time, I wanted to make a shift [in her career]. My friend was working in the tutoring program at the church. She encouraged me to talk to the director, and I did. She [the director] really nurtured me. I made a real connection with her, and I worked there a few hours a week at first. Then, other positions became available.
When did you start working for Chicago Lights, and what initially drew you to the organization?
Chicago Lights was founded by the Fourth Presbyterian Church here in Chicago’s Mag Mile area on Michigan Avenue [Magnificent Mile is an upscale area known as Chicago’s premier commercial district].
I believe the universe puts you where you’re supposed to be. In 1996, I was working across the street from the church at a radio station in the John Hancock Center. At the time, I wanted to make a shift [in her career]. My friend was working in the tutoring program at the church. She encouraged me to talk to the director, and I did. She [the director] really nurtured me. I made a real connection with her, and I worked there a few hours a week at first. Then, other positions became available.
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Stacy worked her way up in an organization that turned out to be a great fit. One of the things that really interested me was the variety of programming. But the thing that drew me to the organization the most is the hope we bring to others in a world that is so challenging. I’m part of an organization that wants to do something about these challenges. I am amazed by the variety of people being served. There’s a sharp contrast between the people living in the wealthy Mag Mile and the people living in the poorest communities. But it doesn’t matter what a person's upbringing is – everyone has strengths. It’s beautiful to see all of these people come together. The real magic is what happens over time and how you can see the future successes of these students once they're out on their own. Some of them follow me on social media, and I’ll read words of wisdom they’ve shared. It’s so comforting to see the good citizens they become. |
What are some of your responsibilities as executive director?
I provide leadership in all areas necessary to run a nonprofit that offers both adult services and youth development programs. For instance, I provide, strategic oversight for programming, resource development, and talent management. I also provide fiscal oversight and manage stakeholder relations.
The Fourth Presbyterian Church is our largest stakeholder, and they continue to nurture and support us.* But the organization is complex, and I work diligently on partnering with a lot of people to run this like a business, a business that is building brighter futures for Chicago’s youth and adults.
All of us who work here are wired for this kind of work. We are in relationships with the people who come to Chicago Lights, and it’s a mutual exchange. They are vulnerable with us. The people who come for services, the volunteers and the donors all bring their strengths to us. It’s such a mix [of backgrounds, upbringings, cultures], and I love that about working here.
*Chicago Lights was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004. At that time, the Social Service Center, which was created by Pastor Elam Davies in 1984, and Tutoring, which was started in 1964 by church members, were brought together and subsequently gave rise to its nonprofit status. From 1991 to 2004, it was known as Partners in Education (PIE).
In your opinion, what leadership qualities are necessary for long-term success, and how would you describe your leadership style?
I provide leadership in all areas necessary to run a nonprofit that offers both adult services and youth development programs. For instance, I provide, strategic oversight for programming, resource development, and talent management. I also provide fiscal oversight and manage stakeholder relations.
The Fourth Presbyterian Church is our largest stakeholder, and they continue to nurture and support us.* But the organization is complex, and I work diligently on partnering with a lot of people to run this like a business, a business that is building brighter futures for Chicago’s youth and adults.
All of us who work here are wired for this kind of work. We are in relationships with the people who come to Chicago Lights, and it’s a mutual exchange. They are vulnerable with us. The people who come for services, the volunteers and the donors all bring their strengths to us. It’s such a mix [of backgrounds, upbringings, cultures], and I love that about working here.
*Chicago Lights was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2004. At that time, the Social Service Center, which was created by Pastor Elam Davies in 1984, and Tutoring, which was started in 1964 by church members, were brought together and subsequently gave rise to its nonprofit status. From 1991 to 2004, it was known as Partners in Education (PIE).
In your opinion, what leadership qualities are necessary for long-term success, and how would you describe your leadership style?
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I would say empathy is really important. Empathy helps me to identify with our stakeholders. You also need ‘big picture’ thinking when you’re a leader – an understanding of all the different parts and how they’re connected.
I’m determined, loyal and patient. I also love to collaborate with a team. However, I’m not an extravert, so I tend to shy away from attention a bit. I get nervous if I have to make a big speech. I believe that smart leaders know where their blind spots are, and they try to surround themselves with the people who complement their strengths. I’m a learner and very curious about what makes people do the things they do. I’m a coach at heart, and I love to help young professionals develop their strengths. I recently became a certified coach. |
"I believe that smart leaders know where their blind spots are, and they try to surround themselves with the people who complement their strengths." ~ Stacy Jackson |
It’s not easy to look at your personal weaknesses and know where to ask for help from others.
As a leader, you have to keep your ego in check. If you let your ego get away from you, you’re not going to use your wisdom. And it’s your wisdom that helps you understand that it takes everyone to do this kind of work.
As a leader, I want to surround myself with the best people I can find and help them grow. I want to give them what they need to be successful. I believe in working hard and getting the job done. But I also believe you need to rest to fill yourself up. There are big dividends if you invest in self-care. Flight attendants have always known you have to put your own oxygen mask on first.
As a leader, you have to keep your ego in check. If you let your ego get away from you, you’re not going to use your wisdom. And it’s your wisdom that helps you understand that it takes everyone to do this kind of work.
As a leader, I want to surround myself with the best people I can find and help them grow. I want to give them what they need to be successful. I believe in working hard and getting the job done. But I also believe you need to rest to fill yourself up. There are big dividends if you invest in self-care. Flight attendants have always known you have to put your own oxygen mask on first.
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I’m interested in hearing more about Chicago Lights’ Dance Academy. What do staff members hope to instill in young people through this program?
The dance academy really evolved from a partnership we had with neighborhood schools. Arts and reading programs were needs, and this worked well. However, we wanted to commit to our strengths. Two of our directors were dancers, so this was an area we thought we would take on. We provide professional teaching artists who work with elementary students. The artists’ residencies provide every student with ten weeks of professional dance instruction. We work with the principals and the specialties of the teachers to provide different types of dance instruction – Latin, hip-hop, ballroom, modern, etc. This program instills a love of dance. It’s fun and creative, but it’s also about performance. When they work on a performance, it teaches dedication, discipline, endurance and time management. |
One of the best moments I remember was at a summer dance intensive. This program runs for four weeks, and they practice six hours per day. These students wouldn’t normally have access to a high-quality program like this. It was hard work. Some of these young girls wanted to give up, and we were able to encourage them to keep going. It was amazing – witnessing the growth and the self-esteem, the look in their eyes when they had their final performance. That’s the kind of lesson that lasts a lifetime. We need to cling to memories like this – a time when we were able to do it. These memories can pull us through again when we’re struggling with something else.
It’s about dance, but it’s not just about dance. Students who participate in arts programs do better academically. Arts education enhances academic curriculum.
It’s about dance, but it’s not just about dance. Students who participate in arts programs do better academically. Arts education enhances academic curriculum.
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Students and young adults gain on-the-job training through your Urban Farm program. How does this program work?
We have a three-quarter acre farm where there used to be a basketball court. It’s in the heart of the city adjacent to lower income housing, so there are challenges in this neighborhood, such as violence. We partner with After School Matters. It’s essentially an internship that meets an after-school program. Through hands-on experience, the students learn everything they need to know about running an urban farm. They learn about the history of the neighborhood. They learn about urban agriculture, food justice, nutrition, marketing and planning. If they don’t wind up being urban farmers, they still develop skills that can be used toward anything else they decide to pursue. |
Urban Farm Program (Windy City Live)
Photo Courtesy: Chicago Lights |
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Do you have any success stories you’d like to share? I have several. Thomas was a young student who was struggling with reading. Reading came easily to his siblings, and this hurt his self-esteem. He worked very hard with his tutor and wound up getting a B. During my first years with the organization, there was a young girl who started receiving services from us when she was in the second grade. One day she was angry because her tutor was late. I engaged with her for a bit. This young lady wound up being president of our student leadership council. She got a scholarship to college, and she now has a degree in nursing and is doing well for herself. |
Another young woman had a very unstable upbringing – she was moved from family member to family member. She also became a nurse and is now living her life on her own terms and taking care of others.
A man who came to us for case management was sleeping on the train. We were able to get him stable housing. It was a special day when he received the keys to his first home.
My favorite story, though, is about Kimberly. I met her when she was twelve years old. She was a student in our tutoring program. She grew up in a really challenging environment, but she was a lovely child and very smart. She now has two master’s degrees and a doctorate. She came back to volunteer for us. Later, we asked her to be a member of our Board of Directors. And that is how a twelve-year-old became my boss!
Besides Kimberly, have others returned to volunteer?
Some students have come back to volunteer, and some of the adults who took advantage of our social service programs have given back as well. It demonstrates the stability that they’ve gained. They have a wish to give back some of what they were given. A young man who once participated in our Urban Farm Program wanted to do this as a career. He works for us now.
A man who came to us for case management was sleeping on the train. We were able to get him stable housing. It was a special day when he received the keys to his first home.
My favorite story, though, is about Kimberly. I met her when she was twelve years old. She was a student in our tutoring program. She grew up in a really challenging environment, but she was a lovely child and very smart. She now has two master’s degrees and a doctorate. She came back to volunteer for us. Later, we asked her to be a member of our Board of Directors. And that is how a twelve-year-old became my boss!
Besides Kimberly, have others returned to volunteer?
Some students have come back to volunteer, and some of the adults who took advantage of our social service programs have given back as well. It demonstrates the stability that they’ve gained. They have a wish to give back some of what they were given. A young man who once participated in our Urban Farm Program wanted to do this as a career. He works for us now.
Would you like to share any information about an upcoming fundraiser?
Our major fundraiser is Gala of Hope. It will be held on March 4, 2022. It is a celebration of hope for the community.
This event is responsible for bringing in one quarter of our operating budget every year. It’s an all-around celebration of hope – of the good work we do, of the relationships we’ve built, and of the support that the community has given our organization.
Where do you find sanctuary?
I find sanctuary in breathwork. I like to snorkel – you’re very aware of your breathing when you snorkel because you can hear it. It’s worth a thousand massages. I also find sanctuary with focusing on good memories and letting others know everything will be okay. We need that today. We need to remember the good in people and the successes we’ve all had.
Our major fundraiser is Gala of Hope. It will be held on March 4, 2022. It is a celebration of hope for the community.
This event is responsible for bringing in one quarter of our operating budget every year. It’s an all-around celebration of hope – of the good work we do, of the relationships we’ve built, and of the support that the community has given our organization.
Where do you find sanctuary?
I find sanctuary in breathwork. I like to snorkel – you’re very aware of your breathing when you snorkel because you can hear it. It’s worth a thousand massages. I also find sanctuary with focusing on good memories and letting others know everything will be okay. We need that today. We need to remember the good in people and the successes we’ve all had.
