- <h2>Jackson Economic Development Engines, Business Execs Join Forces to Launch Leadership Initiative Pro</h2>
Photo - The Jackson Leadership Initiative Program kicked off this semester for political science majors, enrolling five Mississippi college students in an internship program that will provide an introduction to hands-on government jobs and identify and help place potential city leaders. Left to right: Shirley Tucker with the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership; Millsaps College student Lauren Guichard; program creator Kim Wolford; Jackson State students JaLisa Jorden and Bethany Bridges; and Mississippi College School of Law students Betsy Kelly and Romika Bridges.
Jackson, MISS. - Kim Wolford, a local legal assistant in Jackson at Gilbert PLLC, grew tired of watching young political science majors graduate and move away to other cities, not realizing the leadership opportunities available in civic and government jobs right here in Jackson.
"Jackson needs to retain its brightest youth with the most potential to bring about needed improvement in the civic and government life of our city," Wolford said.
Wolford was aware of the track records and success of other leadership programs in Jackson that promoted the city and its available opportunities such as the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership's Leadership Jackson program for young business professionals and the Youth Leadership Jackson program for high school students.
But no leadership program existed for college students interested in staying in the city.
Wolford approached the Greater Jackson Chamber, other economic development organizations and Jackson businesses to find a means to make college students aware of the opportunities available and for them to become vested in the future of Jackson.
After much networking and research, Wolford's vision became a reality and grew into the Jackson Leadership Initiative Program, which kicked off this spring semester, enrolling five Mississippi college students in an internship program that will provide an introduction to hands-on government jobs and identify and help place potential city leaders through a program that serves to train them in city and state government policy and procedures.
The Jackson Leadership Initiative Program is sponsored by the law firm of Adams and Reese LLP, the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, Mississippi Main Street Association and Downtown Jackson Partners.
"This is a whole new concept providing tremendous breadth of opportunity for college students, and the experiences they will gain from working under professionals from all walks of the government sector will prove to be an invaluable experience for them," said John Hooks, Partner in Charge of the Adams and Reese Jackson office.
Unlike a typical internship program where students spend a semester at the same business or same job, the Jackson Leadership Initiative Program is unique in that it will require students to visit multiple offices and experience diverse opportunities throughout the semester such as spending a day with a state legislator during the legislative session; spending time with a Jackson City Council official at a city council meeting; spending the day with a registered state lobbyist; and also at a Jackson fire station, police station, municipal court and the city clerk's office.
Students enrolling in the first semester of this program include Betsy Kelly and Romika Bridges, of Mississippi College School of Law; Lauren Guichard, of Millsaps College; and Bethany Bridges and JaLisa Jorden, of Jackson State University.
"We're very excited about the opportunity afforded to these college students," said Shirley Tucker, executive director of leadership development with the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership. "We have often been asked how come we don't have a program that targets college students, so now I think this new initiative will fill that void and possibly become a way to maintain some of our most talented students for employment opportunities in our own communities."
Wolford said the potential success of this program is founded on the fact that Jackson has a wealth of college talent in the area, attending six four-year colleges and universities and two community colleges.
"We have put together a plan that will appeal to political science majors at the local colleges which will help retain the brightest and best students here in Jackson," she said.
D'Andra Orey, chair and professor of political science at Jackson State University, said the school will offer the program as a three-hour college credit course where the students will keep journals on their experiences and return to the classroom to provide summaries of their internship visits.
"The networking is invaluable because of the opportunity for students to meet professionals outside the classroom," said Orey. "This program enhances basic knowledge of what government entails and government is the core of what they study, so it allows them to see government in action. Once they gain that exposure and relationships with their mentors, those mentors can help them understand they can stay in Jackson. They will see first-hand the professionals who do very well in this city."
Through this unique internship and the opportunity to spend time with key legislators, lobbyists and city officials in Jackson, students will learn how to write bills, grant requests and proposals. During the period when the Mississippi Legislature is not in session, students will spend time with a Hinds County Supervisor, the Mayor’s office where they will learn to write a city ordinance and learn the process by which it gets passed. Students must have certification sheets signed by daily mentors on the days of participation, and the daily mentors will email comment sheets to the participant’s professors with input on student’s participation, willingness to do the work, and overall impressions.
At the end of the program, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce and attend a special luncheon where a high-level elected official will address the group. Participants will be required to complete an evaluation of the program and how they think they can effectuate positive change as a result of their participation in this program.
"The Leadership Initiative Program places college political science students in various internships that allow them to see real-world situations and how important it is to give back to the community and make that community as successful and relevant as possible," said Bob Wilson, executive director with the Mississippi Main Street Association.
For further information or interviews, contact:
Kim Wolford, Gilbert PLLC
601.982.2122
About the sponsors:
Adams and Reese LLP : Adams and Reese is a multidisciplinary law firm with offices strategically located throughout the southern United States and Washington, D.C. American Lawyer includes Adams and Reese on its distinguished list of the nation's top law firms - "The Am Law 200". The National Law Journal also includes the firm on the "NLJ 250" list of the nation's largest law firms.
Downtown Jackson Partners : The mission of Downtown Jackson Partners is to ensure that Downtown Jackson remains Clean, Safe and Bustling. Downtown Jackson Partners is the designated management and economic development agency for the 66-block Downtown Jackson Business Improvement District, and is charged with restoring and promoting business activity in the Downtown Jackson area because the district’s condition affects the economic and general welfare of the people throughout Mississippi. This organization is designed to provide leadership and form partnerships that will attract and enhance real estate development investments in the Downtown area.
Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership : The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership is the leading economic and community development organization in Mississippi's Capital Community. Since its beginning 120 years ago as the Jackson Board of Trade, the organization has played a key role in the growth and development of the economy. The focus of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership is perhaps best stated by our motto "One Community for Success" - working to create strong relationships that move our community forward.
Mississippi Main Street Association : The mission of the Mississippi Main Street Association is to provide leadership, guidance and counsel to Mississippi Main Street communities through organization, promotion, design and economic development to make our cities and towns better places to work, live and play. Mississippi Main Street supports vibrant communities and the future of these communities rest largely with students and the younger generation.
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Downtown Columbus
Main Street Columbus leads the state in the number of upper level apartments with approximately 146 apartments. |
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