Jacqueline J. Riddle, MBA
Jacqueline Riddle is a career coach with Accelerate Mississippi - Three Rivers Planning & Development District based at Byhalia High School, where she helps students navigate life after graduation. In a region where many students are still exploring their options, she plays an active, hands-on role in guiding them through career exploration, college readiness, and workforce exposure. Her work includes organizing industry tours—particularly in advanced manufacturing, a growing sector in the area—as well as coordinating visits to community colleges, universities, and trade schools. She also facilitates mock interviews, hosts guest speakers, and creates community engagement opportunities that help students build both confidence and clarity about their future paths.
A hallmark of Jacqueline’s approach is her ability to connect education with real-world experiences. She actively builds partnerships with local industries, nonprofits, and the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce to bring meaningful opportunities directly to students. Through these collaborations, she has helped develop impactful initiatives, including a career fashion show in partnership with Dress for Success Memphis and the Christopher A. Pugh II Center. This experience allowed students to build confidence while gaining exposure to professional expectations and community support systems, helping them envision themselves in careers they may not have previously considered.
One of her most meaningful success stories involves mentoring a young woman with aspirations in aviation. When the student expressed uncertainty about pursuing a nontraditional career path, Jacqueline arranged a tour of the Luke Weathers Flight Academy and provided ongoing encouragement. The student went on to pursue aviation studies and earn scholarships—an outcome Jacqueline considers one of her proudest accomplishments.
After transitioning from a long and successful corporate career in the network broadcast industry, Jacqueline has found a renewed sense of purpose in education. She is deeply passionate about her work and committed to using her experience and connections to open doors for students. For her, this role is more than a profession—it is a calling rooted in helping young people see and achieve possibilities they once thought were beyond their reach.
Jacqueline also serves as an online accounting and finance lecturer at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee, further extending her impact in higher education.
• GED Instructor Certification
• Notary Public
• Apprentice Occupational Education License – Tennessee Department of Education
• Financial Literacy & Personal Finance Training Certifications
• Strayer University
Executive Graduate Certificate, Accounting
• Strayer University
MBA, Business/Marketing
• Rust College BS, Computer Science & Business
• Top 15 Career Coaches in Memphis 2026
• Employee of the Month - Byhalia High School
• Byhalia Chamber of Commerce
• Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated
• Rust College International Alumni Association - Financial Secretary
• Advisory Committee Member – Eddie Dixon Career & Technical Education Center
• Grays Chapel CME Church
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my family, along with a very special influence from my childhood. As the youngest of six, with siblings much older than me, I was often surrounded by strong role models. Although I never met my maternal grandmother—who passed away before I was born—I was deeply impacted by her oldest sister, my Aunt Charlotte, with whom I spent a great deal of time.
Aunt Charlotte was 85 years older than me, born on February 14, 1880, and a retired teacher. Even though my mother was present, I naturally gravitated toward her. There was something about her wisdom, presence, and the era she came from that left a lasting impression on me. For reasons I couldn’t fully explain as a child, I always felt a desire to be like her.
She was the one who taught me how to read and write, instilling in me strong values and a sense of discipline before I ever entered elementary school. Those early lessons became the foundation for who I am today. In many ways, she helped shape my life and the person I strive to be. It may seem like an unusual story, but it is a deeply meaningful and true part of my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The most meaningful career advice I received came from a high school teacher, who encouraged me to always strive for excellence while maintaining integrity. That guidance has stayed with me and continues to shape both my professional journey and personal values.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to pursue their passions, but to do so with purpose and practicality—ensuring that their interests can also support a comfortable and stable life. While passion is important, it’s equally essential to be realistic and intentional about one’s choices. I also emphasize the importance of maintaining respect for themselves and others, carrying a positive attitude, and remembering that their actions are always being observed. These qualities can open doors and leave lasting impressions.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the key challenges in my field is the constantly evolving economic environment, particularly within the job market. The growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries and redefine the skills students need to succeed. As a result, preparing students for careers that may look very different in the near future can be both complex and demanding.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me, both professionally and personally, are respect and fairness. I emphasize to my students that respect is mutual—I expect it from them, and in return, they will always receive it from me. I make it clear that respect is a two-way street. This same principle guides my personal life as well. Fairness, to me, is an extension of respect, rooted in the belief that we should treat others the way we want to be treated.
Locations
Three Rivers Planning & Development District
Pontotoc, MS 38863