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Attorney Ainka Jackson is  one of 100 emerging changemakers chosen to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program.

Jackson, who’s with the Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth, and Reconciliation.

Jackson was selected to join the program for her leadership in reducing violence through the Violence Intervention Program and her dedication to building a safe, supportive Beloved Community for Selma and Dallas County residents.

The Obama Leaders program is a six-month virtual program that supports and connects emerging leaders in the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe through a values-based leadership framework inspired by the ideals and legacy of President Barack and Michelle Obama.

The United States “Obama Leaders” is composed of values-driven changemakers   from every corner of the country. Hailing from 37 states; Washington, D.C.; American Samoa; Guam; and five tribal nations, these Obama Leaders are united by their passion for building a stronger, more sustainable, and more inclusive world.

“We are excited to welcome these 100 changemakers from across the United States into the Obama Foundation family,” Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett said in a statement.  “Our newest Obama Leaders are already making a difference in their communities and are ready to take their work to the next level. They embody the values of President and Mrs. Obama, and their impactful work will create positive change in communities across the country.”

The daughter of former State Senator  Hank Sanders and sister of former State Senator Malika Sanders-Fortier,  Jackson has an impressive resume.

Jackson received the first annual In Peace & Freedom Award in 2016 and is a level 3 certified Kingian Nonviolence Conflict Reconciliation trainer. Jackson was instrumental in Selma being chosen as 1 of 14 sites for the Kellogg Foundation’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation initiative and she currently leads Selma’s programmatic work for that initiative. She is the co-creator of the Beyond Divide and Conquer: Unite and Build Racial Equity Training