Camara Lashawn Jackson

Camara Lashawn Jackson is no stranger to adversity. Born with Sickle Cell Disease/SS, Ms. Jackson emphatically states, “I simply refuse defeat in any area of my life!”

Born and raised in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, she has met physical, emotional, and educational challenges with her undaunted faith, practical adjustments, and an astonishing mental toughness. Ms. Jackson has always been determined not to be defined nor limited by this disease.

Ms. Jackson graduated with honors in Criminal Justice from Martin Luther King High School. She is a 2003 graduate of Virginia Wesleyan College, where she earned dual Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology. After obtaining her undergraduate degree, Ms. Jackson moved back to New York City, where she began working with inner city youth in shelters and public schools. While working as an educator, Ms. Jackson witnessed firsthand the need for additional educational and mentorship-based resources for children.

Community-oriented and socially aware, Ms. Jackson founded Elite Learners, Inc., a school and community-based 501(c)(3) organization in 2016. Elite Learners provides educational nymentorship and athletic programming to youth and their families in the interest of building community leaders. The organization’s mission is to create a community support system that positively impacts future generations.

Determined to face every unforeseen obstacle with grace, style, and a smile, Ms. Jackson said, “Even on my most pain-filled day, a gentle breeze on my skin makes me grin, antics of babies make me giggle, and a good joke will cause me to laugh out loud!”

A modern-day fashionista, Ms. Jackson admits her guilty pleasure is fashion, and to owning an exorbitant number of shoes, stating, “If I am going to be in pain, I might as well look good in the midst of it.”