Jacqueline Mosio, Director and Founding Member on Influential Women
Verified Member

Influential Woman · Nonprofit

Jacqueline Mosio

Director and Founding Member, Highland Heritage Project

Saint Paul, MN 55116

3Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Columbia University - MFA, Creative Writing Degree University of Minnesota - MA, Spanish Degree St. Catherine University - BA, English

Her Story

About Jacqueline

Jacqueline Mosio is an accomplished writer, editor, and community advocate with approximately two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector and a broader professional background spanning more than three decades. She spent 20 years living and working in Mexico, where she served as a photography instructor and documentary photographer at a cultural center, experiences that deepened her appreciation for culture, storytelling, and community. After returning to the United States, she became actively involved with organizations connected to Latin America and served on the board of a flamenco dance theater. Her commitment to community engagement eventually led her to help establish the Highland Heritage Project in St. Paul, Minnesota, around 2014, an initiative that engages residents in grant-supported historical research and the preservation of local heritage.

Since 2023, Jacqueline has served as a part-time Program Coordinator at the Ignatian Spirituality Center at Saint Thomas More, where she helps conceptualize and implement programs designed to address community needs and foster meaningful connections. Her professional work reflects a consistent commitment to social justice, cultural understanding, and the belief that creative initiatives can bring people together. She has also contributed her talents as a writer and editor to a range of literary and community projects, combining thoughtful communication with a strong understanding of diverse cultural experiences.

Among Jacqueline’s most meaningful professional accomplishments is her long-term collaboration with author Maria Nhambu, with whom she worked from 2012 through 2019 as editor of the Dancing Soul Trilogy. The project, which includes Africa’s Child, America’s Daughter, and Drum Beat Heart Beat, allowed Jacqueline to help preserve and share a powerful story of identity, resilience, culture, and personal transformation. Fluent in Spanish, she continues to draw upon her international experience, editorial expertise, and passion for storytelling to support cultural and creative endeavors. Her work is guided by authenticity, depth, service, and a genuine desire to create opportunities for people and communities to connect, learn, and thrive.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Jacqueline

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to staying true to myself, embracing meaningful relationships, and pursuing my work with curiosity, purpose, and depth. Over the past two decades as a writer and editor, I have learned that meaningful impact extends far beyond the page. My experiences as a photography instructor and documentary photographer in Mexico taught me to observe closely, listen deeply, and appreciate the power of culture and personal stories. I have carried those lessons into my community work through nonprofit leadership, arts advocacy, and co-founding the Highland Heritage History Project. My decade-long collaboration with Maria Nhameu, which began in 2012 and resulted in the trilogy Africa’s Child, America’s Daughter, and Drum Beat Heart Beat, further strengthened my belief in the transformative power of storytelling and authentic connection. Ultimately, I believe success comes from being genuine, remaining open to growth, building meaningful partnerships, and having the courage to go as deeply as possible into the work and relationships that matter most.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering my industry is to remain true to themselves and trust the unique perspective they bring to their work. I encourage them to go as deeply as they can—into their craft, their experiences, and their understanding of others. Authenticity, curiosity, and a willingness to continually learn can create a strong foundation for meaningful and lasting success.

Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.