Women's History Month Feature
Jackie Coleman, Business Owner and Trailblazer
Jackie Coleman is the co-owner of Coleman & Associates, certified
by the State of Missouri as a Women and Minority Business Enterprise. Together with her husband Ron, Jackie has
built Coleman & Associates on 3 defining values - relationship, collaboration,
and integrity. These are the underpinning values that have helped them sustain business
partners for multiple years and grow their government contract business.
These defining values hold true for community engagement as
well. Jackie explains,
“I
was raised with a basic expectation of responsibility to change things for the
better whenever presented with an opportunity to do so. With that came an assumption
that being a business owner meant you have an increased responsibility to
contribute or give back to the community that supports you. That mission remains the central focus for
us.”
Jackie Coleman emerges as a trailblazer in every venture she
undertakes. In community service, in public service, and in business, there is
a demonstrated strength as a leader and champion that sets Jackie apart. She
has an innate skill for seeing situations or an environment in a new way and
leading the charge to improve on it and make a difference.
Jackie has engaged the Jefferson City community for over 40
years. She has lived out a purpose for making a difference as an advocate for
children and education with tenacious spirit and drive, having served 15
consecutive years on the Jefferson City School District Board of Education and Charter
member of the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital City Board of Directors. This commitment distinguishes Jackie as the
longest serving volunteer on both boards.
As a recognized business and community leader, Jackie
embraces the most challenging and undesirable projects that emphasize the
betterment of others. In the face of considerable adversity, she then champions
those projects to successful completion. This unwavering commitment to service has
been celebrated through numerous awards that include the Martin Luther King,
Jr. State Commission Award, Zonta Women of Achievement Award Honoree as well as
awards from the University of Missouri College of Education, University of
Missouri Black Alumni Organization, Lincoln University and Alpha Kappa Alpha
sorority for her efforts as one of its 1964 founding members of the first
African American sorority on the University of Missouri Columbia campus.
 Jackie Coleman accepting a Women's History Month Proclamation from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.
Jackie identifies her work with the Boys & Girls Club of the Capital City as holding a special place in her heart.
“The mission of the Boys & Girls Club Organization strikes a chord with my passion to insure kids in need have access to resources and opportunities for success in education, health and character development. Having a leadership role in creating and sustaining an environment provides that opportunity has been meaningful.”
Jackie served on the Board during a period of significant trials which required her to assume a more direct responsibility in stabilizing the organization.
“To turn away would have meant the demise of the Boys & Girls Club for Jefferson City. I could not in good conscious let that happen. The organization has the ability to reach so many children.”
 Charter members of the Boys & Girls Club of the
Capital City.
Jackie stepped up to the task without question or hesitation. Within a 6-month period, she rallied to increase support and sponsorship of the Boys & Girls Club within the community. As a result of the organizations renewed stability, the Board of Directors and the community are uniting to conduct a “Light the Way Home” Campaign to raise $2.5 million to rebuild and improve the Club’s facility. And, Coleman & Associates has committed to be an integral part of the rebuild efforts.
Jackie Coleman is not simply a trailblazer, but a woman of distinction in her dedication to the community related to children and education. She commits with a true and earnest belief that things can be better. Her purpose to pour whatever time, energy or resource available to her in achieving that endeavor is a reflection of Jackie’s true purpose and Coleman & Associates’ business philosophy
Jackie dancing with Club staff members at
recent a Capital City fundraiser.
Jackie Coleman also serves as a board member on the Missouri Women's Council. To learn more about the Missouri Women's Council, please visit www.womenscouncil.org.
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