Uncrowned Community Builders

Jennifer J. Parker, as the owner Jackson Parker Communications, is known for providing customized services that exceed expectations. The Public Relations firm has been successful pitching creative angles for newsworthy stories and developing effective campaigns that incorporate print, video, outdoor signage, radio, internet and social media.

Ms. Parker has been successful in creating several campaigns and events that have become brand builders. The firm has introduced newsworthy and memorable program brands such Think Big with 43North (encouraging minority and women entrepreneurship), The Pitch Buffalo (a business plan competition for minority and women owned business owners in the Buffalo NY area), I'm a Woman in Charge (Family Planning program targeted to women), Taking Care of You (medical outreach campaign to minority community), Success Looks Like Me (program designed to provide urban youth of color access to successful professionals of color).

In addition, Jennifer is the founder of the Black Capital Network LLC., a small business consulting company that provides services to support minority business development. Under Ms. Parker's leadership, the Black Capital Network has hosted an annual Economic Empowerment Conference, networking events and a business speaker series featuring national business leaders.

Embracing education and lifelong learning, she is a graduate of SUNY at Buffalo Law School and Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina. Energized by making things happen and the love of community, Jennifer has received many professional and community awards. Projects have included the development of the Buffalo Book Fair and BUFFALO CITY FORUM, a lunchtime speaker series, in collaboration with Leadership Buffalo and WNED 970 AM (an NPR Radio station).

In 2011, Jennifer was selected by Governor Andrew Cuomo to serve on the WNY Regional Economic Council, where she served as the Chair of the Tourism Workgroup. She is a former board member of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and served for 3 years as the Chair of the Communities of Giving Legacy Initiative, a philanthropy fund led by leaders of color.

Currently she serves as the board marketing chair for the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County and co-communications chair on the WNY Women's Foundation Board. Other community boards have included WNED Television, the Buffalo Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau, where she was the first female and African American Chairperson, Leadership Buffalo, the Buffalo Niagara Partnership and the Advisory Board for Canisius College Women's Business Center. As a power networker, she understands the importance of networking, building relationships and working to make a difference.