Jackie

Jackie is a persevering young woman from a small community outside of Nairobi, Kenya. Born to a teenage mom, she was raised by her grandparents who cared deeply for her until her parents demanded they were ready to support her as their own. Her grandmother tells her, “You’re a miracle baby because no one saw the chances of you surviving the hardships you were up against.” Living with her parents, and eventually two younger siblings, was a tumultuous time as they navigated desperate financial needs and relational conflict that led to divorce. Jackie shares that she had to pause her schooling multiple times due to moving and continual lack of funds for school fees. The inability to fully express herself throughout her childhood was a byproduct of the instability in her life.

In and out of church throughout her life, Jackie committed to following Jesus when she was thirteen and became involved in Young Life shortly after. She felt welcomed and supported by this new community and flourished as her leaders walked with her in her journey of faith. Finally confident and able to creatively express herself, Jackie thrives as a leader encouraging teens.

Now a Developing Global Leader, Jackie is studying business and economics at Mount Kenya University and hopes to one day work in the community health industry. She shares, “the business sector of public health provides an opportunity for stable work without hindering my ability to minister and serve.” Jackie hopes to grow in her communication and leadership skills through DGL while developing her experience as a worship leader and mentor to teens.