My name is Tashyra Jackson, I have been a resident of the la crosse community for 21 years. Originally, I am a Madison, Wisconsin transplant. I am the third oldest of eight children and I moved here with my family during my junior year of high school. We have been calling this our home ever since. 

I received my bachelor's degree from Viterbo university, where I studied business and psychology.  I have a child that is currently attending elementary school in the area and my oldest who is out of school now, has done all her schooling in the La Crosse area as well. We have shared generations of our experiences over the years and each of our stories are all too similar.

I am the Director of Operations and Co-founder of Hope Restores, a resource center for African Americans. I got into this line of work because I am passionate helping people and I am passionate about equality. 

As the years have gone by, I have realized there is so much work to do and we are so far from where we need to be. If we are going to experience equality in this area it is necessary to consider all the connecting pieces in order to truly grasp the big picture.  I am an advocate for my family and many other people in the La Crosse community. 

It is my belief that courageous conversations need to be had in the schools, at work, in the churches and all other places where there is an opportunity to connect and learn from one another. Most importantly, we all need to be proactive about being part of the conversation and then challenge our capacity to truly listen with the goal of understanding.