Contact: Tara G. Cunningham
(o) 504-816-4024
(c) 504-422-0037
tcunningham@dillard.edu
NEW ORLEANS – May 1, 2025 – Dillard University proudly announces that Christal M. Jackson, a enowned social entrepreneur, philanthropist, and advocate for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), has been selected by the Dillard University Honorary Degree Committee to receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during its 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
For nearly three decades, Christal M. Jackson has dedicated her career to advancing social impact and driving economic opportunity for underserved communities across the United States and the African continent. A celebrated leader in the fields of philanthropy and impact investing, Jackson is the founder of Head and Heart Philanthropy (HHP), a nonprofit organization committed to closing critical gaps in health, education, and economics. She also serves as President and CEO of Mosaic Genius, a social impact agency focused on building a more inclusive economy.
In her signature role as convener of the Gathering on The Vineyard, Jackson has brought together some of the world’s most influential leaders — including former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo — helping to facilitate over $75 million in investments to minority entrepreneurs and mission-driven organizations. Through her newest venture, AGAPE, located in the historic Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, Jackson is deepening her commitment to the South by reconnecting the philanthropic community to New Orleans and launching initiatives to spark economic revitalization. In its inaugural year, AGAPE gathered over $1 billion in capital to explore investment opportunities in
New Orleans and the surrounding region. This year, AGAPE will officially launch the Mosaic Genius Institute, a groundbreaking program to strengthen educational and career pathways for HBCUs and connect them to the global African diaspora.
A proud graduate of Spelman College and Duke University, Jackson’s roots trace back to New Orleans through her Haitian ancestry. Her leadership and vision have earned her recognition from EBONY magazine’s Future 30 Leaders of America and numerous awards for her contributions to social innovation. She serves on the boards of several organizations, including The New Community Transformation Fund, WOCStar Fund, and the Africa-America Institute, where she made history as the first female board chair of color.
“Christal Jackson’s extraordinary commitment to social change, her visionary support for HBCUs, and her unwavering efforts to build an inclusive economy exemplify the highest ideals of Dillard University’s mission,” said Dr. Monique Guillory, president of Dillard University. “We are honored to recognize her work and welcome her into the Dillard family.”
The 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, on Dillard University’s historic campus.
