Her Story
About Jackie
Jackie Vaughn serves as the Executive Director of Surge Reproductive Justice, a role she has held for eight years. Based in Kent, Washington, she brings more than 12 years of experience in the nonprofit field, with expertise in community-directed policy, building leadership with Black and Brown women, political change and policy advocacy, reproductive justice, and Black maternal health. Prior to her current position, Vaughn worked as the organizing director for the All In for Washington campaign addressing tax reform, as the Seattle Regional Field Director for the Mass Transit Now 3 campaign focused on transportation justice, and as a community organizer for Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington in North Idaho. She earned a BA in Race and Culture Studies and a Master's in Public Administration, and participated in the Harvard Business School's Young American Leaders Program in 2024 as a Seattle delegate. Vaughn is a member of the Good Black Birth Initiative in King County and played a key role as a steward of the Doulas for All campaign, which secured Medicaid reimbursements for doulas in Washington.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jackie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to the community aunties and elders who have supported me and mentored me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Building relationships in your community and creating a village is so important and critical, and believing in your leadership and your ability to lead. Leadership can look many different ways, but definitely always believing that you are a leader, you can lead, and stepping into that power.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include addressing misogynoir in policies and laws, and navigating affordability issues while supporting community. Opportunities include more education and awareness about misogynoir, ensuring race and gender data perspectives, and rebuilding systems to meet people where they are and address root causes.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Accountability to the communities we serve, building and shifting power for the most marginalized folks, and creating spaces where parents and mothers are able to do this work with their kids, ensuring accessibility and reflection of our community.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.