FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2021
Contact: Jim Hile
(734) 717-9687, jim@expectations.org

THE EXPECTATIONS PROJECT WELCOMES ZAKIYA JACKSON AS PRESIDENT

Washington, DC – The Expectations Project Founder Nicole Baker Fulgham today announced that Zakiya N. Jackson has officially become president of the nonprofit education reform organization. Jackson began working for TEP in 2015 and has served as the group’s VP of Training and, most recently, VP of Advocacy. Fulgham founded the organization in 2010 and has served as president since that time.

“It has been a journey and honor. With over 40,000 advocates nationwide, TEP is the country’s largest network of faith-motivated public education equity advocates. Our advocates are fearless truth-tellers who center racial equity, Black and brown communities, and faith-based justice principles,” Fulgham said. “I couldn’t be prouder and more humbled by what we’ve accomplished and where the work is poised to go under Zakiya’s new leadership.”

“It is the fulfillment of my wildest dreams to continue to support people around the world who refuse to accept the world as it is and demand that we do better,” Jackson said. “I am grateful for the confidence that Nicole and TEP’s board have placed in me.”

Jackson brings 20 years of program development and leadership to TEP. She became a preschool teacher and social worker before becoming the Associate Director of an enrichment program in the highest dropout zone of Nashville. 

After getting her MBA in 2012, Jackson pivoted toward issues of advocacy and public policy. During her 6 years with TEP, Jackson has led numerous partnership trainings and impactful advocacy efforts. In 2020, she ran operations for the Black Church PAC, under the leadership of Pastor Michael McBride, heavily involved in organizing voters in Georgia.

In the Fall, TEP will launch their ‘Let A Child Be a Child’ Campaign, urging adults to move away from adultifying the children in their lives.

Let a Child Be a Child policy priorities include:

• Improving the counselor or support staff-to-student ratio
• Increase funding for trauma informed mental health care
• Reinstate federal guidance related to school discipline and civil rights 
• Decriminalize being a child

Jackson added, “My extensive experience in working with children plus my leadership in advocacy, training, strategy, operations, organizing and fundraising likewise gives me confidence that I am well suited for this role. We have a lot of exciting initiatives planned and our team is ready to pursue policy changes that improve the material conditions of Black, Brown and marginalized students.”

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The Expectations Project empowers people of faith to shine a light on education inequality through prayer, compassionate service and faithful advocacy.