Her Story
About Kayla
Kayla Jackson is a senior project manager with Robert Half Consulting, supporting For Health Consulting, part of UMass Chan, on behavioral health and healthcare initiatives for the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. With approximately a decade of experience in project management, she specializes in coordinating care teams, managing project timelines and caseload assignments, and implementing technology platforms designed to support behavioral health services. Her current work contributes to the transition of Behavioral Health Community Partner services, with a focus on supporting individuals with serious mental illness and strengthening community-based care.
Kayla’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2016 when she co-founded OneBridge Consulting, helping grow the company from a two-person professional services firm into a full managed services provider offering help desk and technical support. During her time with the company, she took on a wide range of responsibilities, including human resources, accounting, hiring and training, and technical operations. She later transitioned into IT project management and earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in November 2020 after six months of dedicated study and coaching while working full-time and raising her two children. Her professional credentials also include Certified Scrum Master and Six Sigma certifications.
Kayla holds a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies and a Master of Business Administration in Project Management from Thomas College, complemented by studies in small business management and psychology. Beyond her professional career, she remains active in her community as a PTO president at the elementary school level and through involvement with the middle school PTO. She also co-owns an RV camper rental business with her husband and has a long background in healthcare through 15 years of experience as a CNA. Across her professional, entrepreneurial, and community roles, Kayla brings together project management expertise, operational leadership, and a commitment to creating practical solutions that serve both organizations and the people who depend on them.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kayla
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience, adaptability, and the ability to learn from every experience. Earning my PMP certification while working full-time, raising two children as a single mother, and managing their sports and medical needs taught me discipline and perseverance. My experiences with both positive and negative mentors shaped my leadership approach, while my 15 years as a CNA and current caregiving responsibilities strengthened my ability to navigate complex situations. Balancing work, school, and sports from a young age also taught me independence, responsibility, and determination.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be confident, assertive, and willing to stand their ground. Women may sometimes be judged more harshly for being direct, but that should not prevent them from speaking up or advocating for themselves. If an environment does not respect or support you, do not be afraid to find one that does. There are opportunities available, and you deserve to work in an environment where you are valued and respected.
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