Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges Interview Series with Maria Jackson, NASTAD Vice-Chair

In observance of NASTAD Board Chair Clover Barnes’ Chair’s Challenge, “Black Women and BIPOC Leaders: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges”, NASTAD is highlighting Black women and BIPOC individuals who are in leadership roles and are making an impact in the public health field. Maria Jackson, Care and Services Program Manager for the Office of STI/HIV/VH at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE); NASTAD Vice-Chair; and Minority Leadership Program: Executive Activator (MLP:EA) participant, is the epitome of a Black woman in leadership making strides to end the epidemics of HIV, viral hepatitis, and related diseases. The following interview discusses Maria Jackson’s career trajectory, accomplishments and aspirations, and experience as a NASTAD Board member and MLP:EA participant.

Q1: Please describe your current role and the journey that led you to this position.

A1: I am currently the Care and Services Program Manager for the Office of STI/HIV/VH at the CDPHE. My experience includes more than 30 years in HIV care and prevention program management. My journey started with an internship at Planned Parenthood, which consisted of providing HIV testing. I had the unique opportunity to pilot the use of OraSure Technologies to conduct outreach testing. In 1993, my first real job was mobilizing the African-American community around HIV. Along my journey, I held multiple roles including Case Manager, Case Manager Supervisor, Outreach Worker, and Prevention Manager. Leveraging my community experience, I started at CDPHE as a Prevention Contract Monitor with the Office of STI/HIV/VH in 2001. This led to other opportunities during my tenure at the health department, which included Care and Treatment Contract Monitor and supervising the Integrated Prevention and Care Contract Monitoring Unit and the Client Support Services Unit. Embracing all this experience and my commitment to the community has profoundly shaped my journey and given me the courage to seek out and excel in my current management role.

Q2: What would you like to accomplish in the role of NASTAD Vice-Chair?

A2: As the NASTAD Vice-Chair, I will embrace the Chair’s Challenge, “Black Women and BIPOC Leaders: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges”, by creating opportunities to incorporate equity in everything we do. I will utilize every opportunity to lean into the collective power to advocate for communities most impacted by STI/HIV/VH. This also includes utilizing my privilege to mentor and freely share my experience and knowledge with emerging leaders of color who are seeking leadership opportunities. I will foster an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for the members of NASTAD ensuring that everyone can show up as their true selves.

Q3: Please describe your experience as an MLP:EA participant and please explain how you plan on implementing what you learned in the program.

A3: Participating in MLP:EA has been transformative and has provided me with invaluable insights and practical tools to enhance my leadership capabilities. This empowering program seemed to be specifically designed for me as an African-American woman in leadership. This journey helped me to recognize and leverage my strengths while identifying areas for growth. Utilizing the skills that I gained from MLP:EA, I will implement policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion within my program. This includes actively participating in mentorship programs and creating platforms for diverse voices to be heard. It was such an honor and privilege to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people who have become my accountability partners.

Q4: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment in your career?

A4: One of my biggest accomplishments in my career is transforming how we gather input from our community. In order to elevate the voices of the most underserved communities, I designed a phased approach to how we review policies, procedures, and standards of care.  This phased approach creates a safe environment for people of color to freely share their experiences.

Q5: What are you most proud of in your career?

A5: In my career, I’m most proud of hiring staff that reflects the community we serve.  I have created a safe environment to take risks and leaned into our collective experience to create innovative programs. Fostering an environment that centers communities we serve in everything we do, has normalized elevating the voices of the most marginalized communities.

Q6: Who inspires or inspired you to do this work?

A6: I am inspired by the communities I serve to do this work. In honor of all the loved ones who did not survive to witness the remarkable medical advancements in HIV, I am committed to addressing the structural determinants of health inequities that continue to influence health outcomes.

Q7: What is a piece of advice that you would like to share with emerging leaders?

A7: As an emerging leader, it is important to surround yourself with good people. Seek out mentors who are willing to share their knowledge and experience with you. Create a small group of colleagues and peers. This trusted group can become your sounding board, your cheerleaders, and your wise counsel.

Please note, this interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.