2024 Jazz Brunch, Sunday June 9th
Dr. Jacklyn Morrison
2024 Honoree
Jackie Morrison is the founder and executive director for Reignited Women International. Obtaining a Master of Business Administration degree, pursuing a doctorate in Education and having over 24 years of experience in finance as a six-figure executive, she has built a lot of knowledge and surpassed many hurdles.
She is a passionate life-long trainer and the go-to-girl when it comes to networking, business resources, and family life balance. The wife, mompreneur launched and grew her non-profit working only a handful of hours while still maintaining a 9 to 5, married for 18 years, raising six children, and working in ministry.
Jackie aids women in finding their purpose, work life balance, and through faith, how to execute their God given talents. She helps women in business whether in corporate or entrepreneurship, expand their business community and gain valuable knowledge to help them thrive in their environment and grow their businesses more efficiently, effectively, and strategically, butost importantly with God first.
With her funny analogies and girl-next-door personality, she can relate to her clients with ease. Jackie is a multifaceted individual with a rich tapestry of accomplishments. She has graced numerous radio interviews, authored published works, and graced the pages of esteemed magazines.
As the dynamic host of the podcast "The RISE of God’s Businesswoman," she inspires countless listeners. Moreover, Jackie is the visionary behind Reignited Prayer Call, boasting over 2,000 members. Her altruistic spirit shines through her active involvement as a serial volunteer for various organizations, including SCORE Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Rescue Mission.
Amidst these endeavors, she stands as a co-pastor alongside her husband at Reignited Worship Center. With an impressive reservoir of wisdom and hands-on experience, Jackie has emerged as a prominent figure in her field. She has played a pivotal role in empowering women to achieve their personal and professional aspirations.
Committed to guiding others towards their purpose, wealth, and embracing their God given identity, Jackie epitomizes dedication and leadership.
Dr. Audrey Manley
2024 Honoree
Dr. Audrey Forbes Manley became the first alumna to lead her beloved alma mater when she was appointed Spelman College's eighth president in 1997. Dr. Manley's unwavering dedication, experience, and intimate knowledge of the institution served Spelman well as she successfully guided the College into the New Millennium.
Dr. Manley was born in Mississippi in 1934. She spent her early years there before moving to Chicago, where she graduated from Wendell Phillips High School in 1951. She earned her bachelor’s degree as a member of Spelman's Class of 1955, and immediately continued her education at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. After receiving her medical degree in 1959, she returned to Chicago where she completed her residency at Cook County Children's Hospital in 1963. At 27, she was the first woman, second African-American, and the youngest person to be named chief resident physician at the hospital’s pediatric division.
After working at the North Lawndale Neighborhood Health Center, Dr. Manley served two years as the assistant medical director at the Woodlawn Child Heath Center; then relocated to San Francisco where she practiced pediatric medicine at Mt. Zion Medical Center. She also held several faculty positions at the University of Illinois, the University of Chicago, and the University of California.
In 1966, Dr. Manley was elected to Spelman’s Board of Trustees and served from 1966 to 1970. In 1991received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Spelman College.
In 1970, she married Dr. Albert Manley, Spelman College's fifth president, and became the first lady of her alma mater until her husband's retirement in 1976. As first lady, she initiated the Health Careers Office and chaired the Health Careers Advisory Committee. She also served as an organizer and consultant of the Family Planning Program and Initiative for College Personnel in Family Planning and as medical director of the Family Planning Program for the Atlanta University Center.
During this time, her medical career continued to flourish. She served as chief of medical services at Grady Memorial Hospital's Emory University Family Planning Clinic in Atlanta. In 1976, she became a captain in the U.S. Public Health Service and in 1987 earned a master's degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University. She was the first African-American woman appointed principal deputy assistant secretary for health in the U.S. Public Health Service. She served as deputy U.S. surgeon general in 1994, and acting U.S. surgeon general from 1995 to 1997. Following Dr. Albert Manley's death in 1997, she returned to Spelman – this time as president. She led the College for five successful years before retiring and becoming president emerita.