Meet The Founder

Jolanda Jackson is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of globalengage. With a deep-rooted passion for bridging the gap in access to resources for underserved and underrepresented communities, Jolanda’s mission is driven by both her professional experience and her personal journey with lupus.

A graduate of The Florida State University with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Services, Jolanda brings over 14 years of experience in the social service field. She has served more than 2,000 youth and adults in roles spanning child protection investigation, child and adult case management, and youth enrichment and education program implementation.

Her most profound inspiration for founding KFAC comes from her 17+ year journey with lupus. Through living with this chronic illness, Jolanda intimately understands the challenges of navigating pre-diagnosis uncertainty, treatment management, and the daily responsibilities of life. Her experiences have equipped her with a unique ability to empathize with the mental, physical, social, emotional, and financial tolls that chronic diseases impose.

Jolanda’s ultimate goal is to increase disease awareness, chronic disease education, health and financial literacy within the community. She is dedicated to helping others develop healthy habits, access essential community resources, and secure adequate nutrition — all vital elements for prevention, early detection, disease management, and improving quality of life.

As an active member of RAY (Research Action Network) and LRAN (Lupus Research Action Network) through the Lupus Foundation of America, Jolanda continues to advocate for more research, data collection, funding, and policy changes to improve outcomes for everyone affected by lupus.

Jolanda believes that “No one truly knows the journey like those who have traveled the road.” Her work with KFAC reflects this belief, offering genuine support and resources to those living with or affected by chronic illness.