2022 Fellow Focus: Angelica Jackson + Phoenix International School of the Arts
Listener, risk-taker, social innovator…2022 Fellow Angelica Jackson of Phoenix International School of the Arts shares more about her #RuthlessForGood journey.
What propelled you into the entrepreneurial space? And what do you enjoy most about being a founder?
My own lived experience. In my childhood, I always felt that the really cool experiences or opportunities were just out of reach for me mostly due to my geographical location. I always made due with what I was given.
When I reflect on it, I’m amazed at how much my location influenced my thoughts about my self-worth - particularly around the idea that I must leave “home” in order to excel, in order to reach my greatest potential. No child should feel as though they are not worthy, as though they don’t have anything to offer because of how or where they’ve been raised, or because of any of their circumstances for that matter.
The social enterprises I build now, including Phoenix International School of the Arts, are meant to combat feelings of worthlessness, confinement or lack of access, and the socio-emotional influences of place, race, and ability.
I enjoy the stories most; the stories that people are so willing to share about their lived experience in order to ensure that whatever we create, design, and dream up saves them… us, ourselves.
As a BIPOC founder, Camelback understands that the struggle is constant, what motivates you to get up every day and keep on fighting?
Community. The same people that I build my ventures for and with are the people who encourage me to keep going. Our collective desire to create the experiences we dream of for our young people keeps us going when the going gets tough.
Tell me about an experience you had as an entrepreneur or in starting your company that exemplified one of Camelback's core values: "Belief in Mission + Vision"; "Unafraid of Failure"; "Constant Learner"; "Humble + Hungry"; and "Give First."
Unafraid of Failure. I'm part of the team designing and launching the first-ever public charter school in my school district and the first-ever arts and international school in the region; with all of these firsts, come many opportunities for failing. At PISOTA, however, we lead in a way that is often unheard of in education - with vulnerability and within a culture of iteration and failing forward. While many of our counterparts hide behind failure or wrongdoings, we listen, we learn, and we move boldly toward solutions that work, even if it means pivoting from an original idea.
As a social innovator, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for future generations?
That all young people, no matter their circumstances, know how to find or create a pathway to reach their fullest potential. I’m a social innovator for the people, and especially the kids.
What's your favorite book or podcast that you draw entrepreneurial inspiration from?
Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Marie Brown
What do you hope to take away from your Camelback Fellowship Journey?
You can learn more about ➡ Angelica Jackson of Phoenix International School of the Arts.
Get to know more of the 2022 Camelback Fellows👇🏽