Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakira Jackson

Shakira, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

I began my journey in a space where curiosity and a love for knowledge guided me. My academic background is rooted in history and political science, which I pursued during my undergraduate years at the University of Pittsburgh. This foundation helped me develop a strong understanding of government systems, democracy, and the intricacies of political affairs. From there, I furthered my education by completing a master’s degree in democracy and government at Georgetown University, which deepened my expertise and broadened my scope of interest in public policy.

Throughout this time, I’ve always had a passion for the arts, participating in theater productions during high school and university, which led me to stay connected with performing arts organizations, especially in Philadelphia, where I have done shows with the Walnut Street Theater and Teen Voices of the City Ensemble. These experiences helped me develop not only a love for creative expression but also communication and collaboration skills.

As I began my doctoral program, I started honing my focus on areas that intersect with constitutional law and the protection of democratic processes, particularly related to malign foreign election interference. I’ve also engaged in various professional opportunities, such as working as a regional organizer for campaigns and contributing to community engagement efforts. Today, I am balancing my work, doctoral studies, and personal commitments, like participating in the Miss Caribbean pageant as Miss Jamaica, while striving to make an impact in both the public policy and creative spaces.

This journey has been about continuously blending my academic interests, professional experiences, and passions to shape the direction I am headed.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

It hasn’t been a smooth road, and like most journeys, there have been challenges along the way. One of the biggest struggles has been balancing multiple responsibilities—academically, professionally, and personally. Pursuing higher education, especially in public policy, while working full-time and staying active in the arts, has required strong time management and self-discipline.

Another challenge has been navigating the different spaces I’m involved in, from public policy to the performing arts. Each area demands a different mindset and skill set, and learning to transition smoothly between them hasn’t always been easy. Campaign work, for instance, can be very fast-paced, while preparing for a performance or pageant requires a different level of focus and creativity.

On a personal level, I recently experienced the loss of my grandmother, who was a passionate activist in her time. Her activism has always been an inspiration to me, and losing her was not only a personal loss but also a reminder of the responsibility I feel to carry forward the values she championed. Balancing this grief while staying focused on my goals has been challenging, but it has reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful impact, both professionally and personally.

Though there have been obstacles, each challenge has pushed me to grow, teaching me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying focused on the bigger picture, which is leaving the world better than how I found it.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

Uniquely Engaged Citizen (UEC) is my passion project, founded on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to engage in the political process, regardless of their financial background. What drives UEC is the idea that financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of someone’s ability to run for office or become a leader in their community. I started this organization to provide liberty-minded future leaders with the tools, resources, and training they need to succeed in the political world.

We specialize in offering workshops on financial literacy, campaign strategy, and leadership development, helping aspiring political candidates and civic leaders build the foundation they need for success. What really sets UEC apart is our focus on breaking down the financial hurdles that often prevent talented, passionate individuals from running for office. We’re not just about education; we’re about real support—whether that’s mentorship, training, or even helping candidates navigate the financial complexities of political campaigns.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. With over 500 volunteers and the success of our 50+ workshops, we’ve been able to directly impact more than 100 future leaders. Watching these individuals grow and take steps toward making meaningful changes in their communities is the core of what makes UEC special.

For anyone interested in UEC, I want them to know that we’re here to empower. We’re here to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders to drive real change, no matter their financial situation. It’s about fostering a political environment where inclusion, access, and support make it possible for anyone with a passion for service to get involved.

What matters most to you?

What matters most to me is empowering individuals to take control of their futures, especially when it comes to civic engagement and leadership. I believe that everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation, should have the opportunity to be heard, participate in democracy, and lead their communities toward positive change.

This is important to me because I’ve seen how systemic barriers can prevent talented, passionate people from pursuing leadership roles or running for office. My grandmother, who was an activist, inspired me by showing that one person can make a difference, and I carry that belief into everything I do. I want to help create a more inclusive and accessible political environment where everyone has the tools and support they need to succeed.

Pricing:

• All of our resources are free.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://uniquelyengagedcitizen.org/
• Instagram: @UEC.ELECTS

Image Credits

Holly Mead Photography
Bill Glass Jr.