Jacqueline Jackson joins the New York Urban League as COO

NEW YORK, January 25, 2021 - Arva R. Rice, President & CEO of the New York Urban League today announced the appointment of Jacqueline Jackson in the new role of Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Jackson brings 18 years of institutional leadership, management and operations expertise to NYUL, now commemorating its Centennial of service to New York’s African American and underserved communities.

At the New York Urban League, Jackie will lead the organization to improve business processes and drive operational efficiency in all initiatives and partnerships.

"We are so pleased to have Jacqueline Jackson join our team in the role of Chief Operating Officer. Her experience as founder of a youth mentoring program and accomplishments as a corporate executive make her uniquely qualified to work with the Urban League at this time," said New York Urban League President and Chief Executive Officer Arva Rice. “During this time of Covid-19 and civil unrest, now is the right time to recruit a Chief Operations Officer as we add financial grant programs and our Small Business Support Center to our list of offerings to meet the needs of our communities,” she added.

Jacqueline’s most recent role was Director of Inventory Planning for the West Elm brand of William Sonoma Inc. Jacqueline entered into the field of Corporate Retail Management post-college and has built an impressive portfolio in Sales Strategy and Inventory Optimization working for the most thriving and influential retail companies in America, including Ralph Lauren, Coach Inc, Gap Inc, and Kate Spade NY.

In addition to her career accomplishments, Jacqueline lives a life of service and community empowerment. In 2016, Jacqueline founded THE ROYALTY PROJECT, INC, which is an NYC-based non-profit organization and mentor program designed to improve self-images amongst youth of color by exposing them to progressive role-models, missing history, and the richness of Black culture. She has also served as a volunteer for the NYUL for the past 2 years and has been an active resident of the Harlem community for the past decade.

“I am truly inspired by the New York Urban League’s legacy of civil rights service and community advocacy. I’m excited to be joining the team as a transformational leader as we enter into our second Centennial,” said Jacqueline Jackson.

Jacqueline is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Queens. She attended Pennsylvania State University where she earned a dual Bachelor of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing.