We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trina Lynch Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Trina, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?

My Uncle the late Charles Dean Buggs left me his estate. He trusted that I would share his story, our story, my story of our last interaction. That story is “The Briefcase” and has been shared with others on KTOO radio in Juneau, Alaska.

Trina, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge, education, talents, and experiences in several fields. My multi-layered experiences in several industries have allowed me to share the challenges as a woman of color with many. I served three and a half years in the US Army in the military police with an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement. I worked in a Steel Mill for seven years after that, working midnights while completing a bachelor’s Degree in Business and another associate degree in Fire Science. My focus was always on my faith, expanding my ability to raise my daughter, because I was a single parent and being independent.. My many degrees were funded through the military or employers. I have six degrees, two associate’s, one bachelor’s, two master’s, and an Ed. D in Higher Education. I worked in the healthcare industry in risk management, managed care, and as an Alzheimer/Dementia Director. Our healthcare system is fractured and requires a level of patience, kindness, and advocacy. I recently retired from Higher Education as an Associate Professor. Our education system is fractured which also requires a level of patience, kindness, and advocacy. I have written two books “CAUTION This May Hurt Your Feelings” and “The Forget Me Not Chronicles” volume 1. These books are my storytelling and poetic tales of my lived experiences with more to come.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In my story “The Briefcase” I share the pain of my relationship with my late Uncle Charles Dean Buggs and not realizing he was preparing me unknowingly for his death and the death of my only child. My only child Regina LaVon Lynch died several months after my Uncle that year on New Year’s Eve. That was twelve years ago. I completed my Ed.D degree and wrote two books after that. I currently live in Juneau, Alaska in the condo that my late Uncle left me, and currently have his armature masks on display at the Juneau Public Library.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

It’s time for educational institutions and public library systems to make a concerted effort to highlight the benefits of encouraging creative spaces for artists, with whisper rooms. and open mic sessions. Public libraries are underutilized, there are opportunities for artists to display their works in display cases and share their storytelling talents in open spaces.