Meet Becky Jackson of Homeward Bound in Central

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky Jackson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Becky. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am an Arizona native! I spent the first major chunk of my career in banking- starting as a teller and working my way all the way up to owning my bank. I was always heavily involved with charities across the state and worked with them often as a banker. My first “transition” was when a very dear friend and mentor of mine introduced me to the Chandler Chamber of Commerce and the major career change blossomed from there! I worked for JDRF for a bit and then ICAN which brought me to Homeward Bound where I am now the President & CEO of the organization.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Of course not! Anyone that tells you it has been smooth sailing is either lying or living in a fantasy land 🙂 I think the important part about struggles is learning from them and I can say that I have learned and grown from every bump in the road. A major struggle for me was the passing of my dad and biggest mentor. I was in my early twenties, and my father’s passing forced me to look in the mirror and see that the life I currently had was not what I had envisioned for myself. That is when I pulled myself up by my bootstraps and focused hard on my banking career. I traveled the world for years, met the love of my life and shot up the corporate ladder.

Another challenge was the fact that there were VERY few women working in my industry in 1980’s. Even fewer women leading industry conferences and sitting on boards! Being seen as a leader and a woman in those days was very difficult.

We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Homeward Bound is housing and rehabilitation for homeless families. We specialize in looking at both the parents and the children in a homeless family and digging to the root of what they need to get back on their own two feet and thrive on their own. Residents live on our campus for a year while they undergo a tailored program complete with case management, youth programs, financial education, parenting classes, and a regimented agenda to make sure families never return to poverty again. I am most proud to say that we have an 86% success rate at Homeward Bound and as of November will be one of the first certified Trauma Informed Centers in Arizona.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I can think of a few very proud moments throughout my career. One being the Athena Award that I won in 2002. That was a big wake up call for me because after having so many positive female role models throughout my early career, the Athena award showed me that now I was the mentor and the role model for others and I was excited to pass on my knowledge to young up and coming women.

The other was when I won the PBJ Outstanding Women in Business Award in 2016. This accomplishment hit home because I was recognized in nonprofit rather than banking and it proved to me that I can do anything I set my mind to.

Pricing:

• Old Bags Luncheon Ticket- $350

Contact Info:

• Address: 2302 W Colter St. Phoenix, AZ 85015
• Website: www.homewardboundaz.org
• Phone: 602-263-7654
• Instagram: @homewardboundaz

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