Her Story
About Jacquelyn
Jacquelyn Banks serves as Director of Title III programs at Atlanta Metropolitan State College in the University System of Georgia, a role she assumed in May 2025. She brings 17 years of experience in education, having begun her career in elementary education in Birmingham before expanding internationally. From 2013 onward, she spent 12 years working in Dubai and briefly in South Korea as an elementary science specialist, head of math, and head of STEM at international schools, while also serving as an academic counselor upon returning to the United States. Her career has involved consistent movement between K-12 and higher education environments across multiple countries. Banks developed a project-based learning curriculum that integrates her expertise across these levels. She also established the Heal Pink Collective, a 501c3 organization dedicated to donating post-surgery care kits.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jacquelyn
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I would say to not really separate or compartmentalize things. It actually matters, like your home life, your work life. It's not just about work-life balance, it's everything. I went through breast cancer, had a double mastectomy, found my diagnosis, did my surgery, recovered, went back to work, did my chemo, went back to work, and kept everything separate and professional.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you are going to step into a space, be open and available to all that's gonna come with that space. Look for and understand the outlook and the projection of what's happening in that space. Having that research beforehand to understand what that space entails is very key. Be specific, or be goal-oriented about what your mission is. Complete it, use that data and analysis to improve.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In higher ed, the challenges are that the education system is seen as downgraded, students not on the level expected at college. There's a lack of understanding from staff and faculty about the K-12 environment. My strength is bridging both levels with knowledge of K-12 and higher ed.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, ethics, autonomy, and persistence. These cross all of my compartments. Compartmentalizing helps me keep things professional and move forward, especially after personal challenges like breast cancer.
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