United Way of Lane County's Conversation with Jackie Joyner-Kersee
“You can turn a doubter into a believer, as long as you believe. But it starts with you first.”
Jackie Joyner-Kersee sharing her story during her conversation with United Way of Lane County
As part of our year-long 75th Anniversary celebrations, United Way of Lane County was honored to host Olympic medalist and philanthropist Jackie Joyner-Kersee on March 1 for a conversation on youth success and overcoming difficulties. Students and classrooms around Lane County as well as members of the community joined the discussion, hosted over Zoom, to hear Jackie answer student and community questions, and share about her experiences as a Black woman in athletics.
Topics discussed include Jackie’s childhood growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois; learning of her asthma diagnosis; losing her mother at a young age; and competing in the Olympics at a time when Black women were rarely featured on television or in the media. These experiences helped shape Jackie’s outlook on facing challenges.
“Learn along the way, and just know that there are going to be challenging times. And I think those challenging times will tell you a lot about who you are and who you will become. …Go through the struggle, have an appreciation for the struggle. Because it will teach you a lot about yourself.”
Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Noreen Dunnells
Jackie was joined in conversation by United Way of Lane County’s President & CEO, Noreen Dunnells, as well as UWLC’s Board Chair, Chris Parra, along with a panel of Lane County middle-school and high-school students, representing Bethel, Eugene 4J, Springfield, and Mapleton School Districts. Student panelists were each given an opportunity to ask Jackie a question about her life and experiences. Students, classrooms, and community members attending via Zoom were also given an opportunity to submit questions.
“Jackie is an inspiration to people of all ages and all walks of life,” said Noreen Dunnells, “not only in her athletic accomplishments, but also in her wisdom and vulnerability. We are honored to have been able to host this important conversation with her, and we take to heart her words of encouragement as we continue the work of supporting youth success in Lane County.”
“Creating a safe place for students starts with the environment – it starts with trust.”
United Way of Lane County is committed to creating communities where every child succeeds in school and life. Childhood and youth success is at the core of our mission, and we were honored to hear Jackie’s experiences on founding and leading the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation in her hometown of East St. Louis, Illinois.
We take to heart Jackie’s closing words:
“Work hard, and don’t ever give up.”
