Meet Dr. Shawni Jackson
If you ask Dr. Shawni Jackson about leadership, she’ll tell you, “I think being a good leader is making sure everyone else shines.” That simple philosophy has shaped her career and her mission: helping established women business owners access the tools and certifications they need to grow and thrive.
A Natural Coach and Advocate
Shawni currently serves as the Regional Director for Missouri (excluding Kansas City) and Southern Illinois with the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC). “What I do right now is I help women business owners get Women Business Enterprise certification,” she explained during her interview, but Shawni’s path to that role is far from linear. From starting the first Center for Entrepreneurship at Harris-Stowe State University in 2009 to running her own consulting firm, her professional journey reflects a deep-rooted passion for business education and empowerment.
That through line—teaching, consulting, coaching—is no accident. “I think my defining moment was when I started teaching at Sanford Brown College in 1999,” Shawni shared. That early experience lit a spark that would guide her through roles as a professor, a consultant, and now a director.
Her leadership style is best described as steady and understated. “I’ve always been more of a coach. I don’t like being in the spotlight,” Shawni noted. “But I know my material, I know what I can do, and I like to push other people to the front.”
Rooted in History, Focused on Equity
For Shawni, the work she does with women entrepreneurs isn’t just professional—it’s personal. Inspired by a family member, an influential figure in St. Louis’s African American haircare industry, Shawni feels a sense of responsibility to carry that legacy forward. That sense of advocacy extends beyond the WBDC. Shawni has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles with organizations such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The Links, Incorporated and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.. She also sits on the advisory committee for the National Lung Association and works with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Healthcare advocacy holds a special place in her heart. “If there’s one thing I really want to highlight, it’s healthcare and advocacy.” From asthma research to cancer awareness, Shawni champions access and equity in healthcare, especially for underrepresented communities.
Life Beyond the Office
Outtside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Shawni finds joy in music, movies, and connecting with others. A former professional cheerleader for the St. Louis Ambush soccer team, she recently returned to perform at an alumni game, shoulder injury and all. “Was I out of breath? Yes. Did I get the routine down completely? No,” she laughed, “But I had the best time." She also loves attending concerts—naming Diana Ross and Janet Jackson among her favorites—and dissecting movies. Her top three films? Love and Basketball, The Goonies, and Meet Me in St. Louis.
At home, Shawni’s son—now 20 and an aspiring barber—carries on the family’s entrepreneurial spirit. “It runs in the family,” she said.
A Recommendation from Shawni
When asked for a recommendation to other Forum members, Shawni didn’t suggest a book or a podcast. She suggested line dancing. “I think people need to loosen up a little bit,” she said. “People should get out and let their hair down a little bit and do some sliding.”
For Shawni, leadership isn’t about being in front—it’s about standing alongside others, helping them step forward with confidence and clarity. Her blend of quiet strength, passion for education, and enduring commitment to women’s entrepreneurship makes her a standout member of the Forum community.