SYNERGY -Veita Jackson-Carter

Lessons from a parent can last a lifetime and inspire individuals to meaningfully impact their community. Veita Jackson-Carter is a living example of this inspiration, and she credits her mother with providing her with the values that would eventually lead to a life of community service, leadership, and faith.

Veita grew up in a family that believed in walking by faith. Her father passed away when she was just 12 years old, so her mother had to take on the responsibility of raising her children alone. “My mother has and will always have the greatest impact on my journey to success.” Veita’s mother was a hardworking, confident woman whose passion and values radiated through her daughters. She worked two jobs to pay the bills, but Veita notes that she always found time to support her children in whatever they set out to accomplish. “Mom taught us to not be afraid to fail.”

From her upbringing, Veita grew to be a life-long learner, educator, and community activist. She has led a life of community service and leadership in her hometown of Gainesville and in the surrounding area, and she has been especially impactful within education.

“Education is a priority in our family! My mom’s expectations and strong work ethic were never questioned. It was understood!”

She received a full academic scholarship to attend Santa Fe College in 1977, and she continued her education at the University of Florida, and Nova Southeastern University. She recalls how meaningful obtaining her scholarship was to her family, as this relieved her mother of the burden of paying for her college degree.

In addition to education, faith was highly significant to her upbringing. The lessons she learned from her activism within the church is integral to understanding her life journey.

“My mother and grandmother were grounded in their faith, so it was an expectation to be involved in church. It’s more than [just] going to church, [it’s] about being truly involved in church.”

She grew up in the Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, and served as a clerk there for 24 years. The Bible, she says, gave her clarity on how to take care of those less fortunate, but her calling has been to work outside the walls of the church.

“I became who I am because of older women in the church who molded and shaped me… so I have learned to give back and do the same for others. I am all about having compassion and love for people.”

Veita has been giving back and significantly impacting the lives of students in her community. She has spent 38 years as both an educator and as an administrator for the School Board of Alachua County, and has taught for 13 years as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Santa Fe College.

Veita highly values “showing up.” Showing up can be providing charity for those in need, being present when others are dealing with hardship, or showing support for family members. By being genuine and showing our heart, we can spread light and inspire others.

“I remember on my graduation day my mom was sitting in the stands and I purposely had my sister and my cousin sit by her so she wouldn’t fall asleep due to [her exhaustion from] working two jobs. I wanted her to not miss her daughter walking across the stage. Showing up was always something that was important to me.”

Veita has translated these values throughout her career. She currently serves as director of the Students to Successful Citizens/System of Care program for Alachua County schools.

This position means she is heavily involved in community development- she engages a network of 100 community, business, and faith-based partners to provide support for families.

This innovative program seeks to empower highneed students that are struggling in school by providing wraparound services (such as mental wellness and community resources) to them and their families. Through this service, Veita has been able to “show up” for countless students and families in need. This program is truly the synthesis of her goals and priorities.

“When I would speak in churches I would always start with: ‘I used to be you. I used to be the one who had others who poured into me.’ I want people to know that if I could lift people up then I would do it.”

I BECAME WHO I AM BECAUSE OF OLDER WOMEN IN THE CHURCH WHO MOLDED AND SHAPED ME… SO I HAVE LEARNED TO GIVE BACK AND DO THE SAME FOR OTHERS. I AM All ABOUT HAVING COMPASSION AND LOVE FOR PEOPLE.

-Veita Jackson-Carter