Jackiedra Wilson: Keeping Us Relevant in a Complex World
This year, under Jackiedra’s tenacious leadership, our Chapter won two awards of merit (in professional development and in communication management). And she, herself, was selected from nominations the world over as a Chapter President of the Year.
Jackiedra was already an active board member when she began as chapter president in June 2019. She had shown us she was innovative by championing and chairing our chapter's 40th anniversary celebration, "Challenge Accepted!"
While most of her program year was during the pandemic and lockdown, Jackiedra led our chapter to have a full slate of relevant and interactive programs, at no cost to members or non-members. Talk about staying relevant in a complex world!
In a year when many chapters saw membership losses, we were recognized as one of the October 2020 Member Month winners for Small Chapter Retention, under Jackiedra's leadership.
While the pandemic stopped our in-person meetings, it did not stop the chapter’s energy. Fueled by mainly by Jackiedra's leadership and inspiration, our monthly programs generated steady engagement, at a time when many communicators were overwhelmed and distracted.
Jackiedra was an essential part of our programs from registration through production. With programs including:
- A mini-conference in June of 2020, "Game Changers Rewrite the Playbook," where local experts shared their insights on what 2020 had taught them up to that point and how to navigate forward
- "Keeping an eye on EQ -- A Whodunit: Reducing COVID’S Communication Complexities," The Decency Code: The Leader’s Path to Building Integrity and Trust; plus a timely discussion on vaccine communication in the workplace that had 100 RSVPs.
- HERStory Business Communication Expo, celebrating Women’s History Month with nine women entrepreneurs and four business leaders focused on economic independence, business and communication and paving the way for future entrepreneurs and leaders.
She brought her broad personal and professional contacts to share their perspectives and learnings with the chapter in our programming, to offer a balance. Our Chapter has had the most diverse presenters and panelists ever this year because of her connections.
Over and above exceptional programming, Jackiedra initiated "The Communication Professionals’ Declaration for Diverse and Inclusive Influence." This declaration, crafted by Jackiedra, with contributions from the Board, was unanimously approved. Jackiedra is now in the process of sharing the declaration with other communications-related groups in Greater Cincinnati.
As Jackiedra steps into her new role in our next program year as Immediate Past President, our Chapter will continue to benefit from her extraordinary leadership, creativity, vision, and drive.