Meet the 2024 Fellows – Alyssia Jackson

Meet the 2024 Fellows – Alyssia Jackson

Alyssia Jackson is a first-generation Jamaican American from the Bronx and a fierce advocate for representation in advertising and media. Alyssia’s journey into the industry wasn’t accidental but driven by a “desire to create truly inclusive spaces.” Growing up with a disability, she saw firsthand the importance of media representation and how underrepresented communities need visibility in ways that resonate. “I recognized early on the powerful role this industry plays in shaping societal perceptions, and I wanted to be part of that change,” she says. Her experiences inspired her to build a career focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), developing insights that help leaders understand the perspectives of both employees and consumers alike.

Alyssia’s work with Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Diversity Councils has proven impactful. “Helping leadership teams see the direct connection between their internal inclusion efforts and the needs of their consumer base has been incredibly rewarding,” she reflects. Alyssia firmly believes that cultivating a workplace where every individual’s story is acknowledged drives authentic change. Her focus on empathy, equity, and resilience helps her bring people together, fostering a culture where employees are “supported and valued.”

Her long-term goal is to become a Strategic Leader in Organizational Insight and Transformation. Alyssia dreams of “influencing organizational policies and structures on a large scale,” building workplaces where people feel empowered to bring their whole selves to work. She is also inspired by the words of Caroline Wanga: “If you cannot be who you are where you are, you change where you are, not who you are.” Alyssia’s ultimate aim is to build workplaces that prioritize humanity and inclusion, celebrating individual uniqueness and driving positive societal change from within.

Outside of work, Alyssia channels her passion into advocacy, organizing meetups for people with disabilities to share stories and experiences. For her, these gatherings are not only uplifting but also a reminder of why DEI work is essential.

The 2024-2025 Fellowship bios were written by University of Florida’s Lorena Bacallao ’26, Paulina Navarro ’26, Zoe Punjwani ’26, and Sydney G. Pomeranz ’25.