Entrepreneur wins $7,000 through optiMize to support non-profit work
After completing the optiMize Social Innovation Challenge (SIC) Fellowship, HFC alumna Alicia Jackson was rewarded $7,000, which she will use for the Westland-based nonprofit organization she founded called DIME Above The Line.
“I worked for optiMize as soon as I transferred to the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor,” said Jackson. “I always knew I wanted to create something that would benefit my community. When I went to optiMize presentations, it just spoke to me, ‘You’ve got to do this. You can’t miss this.’ I was in class when I got a text from optiMize asking me to come to the office. They told me I was awarded $7,000. It was a fun experience.”
Finding her niche at HFC
An only child, Jackson was born in Garden City and raised in Westland. She is a graduate of Wayne Memorial High School.
Jackson earned her associate degree in political science at HFC. After graduation, she transferred to U-M, where she will earn her bachelor’s degree in political science later this year. She also completed coursework at Eastern Michigan University. For graduate school, Jackson plans to enroll in an urban planning program at U-M or Wayne State University.
“I had a rough first year of college. When I regrouped and was ready to go back, HFC was the most affordable option,” she explained. “HFC was also the best choice because of its location and the opportunities it offered. I liked the curriculum because they had a lot of different programs I could explore to find my niche.”
HFC pushed her to become a better student and leader
During her time at HFC, Jackson was involved in Student Council and what is now the Dr. Henry J. Bowers Focus Group. She called the group's faculty advisors Dr. Kalvin DaRonne Harvell, Dr. Courtney Matthews, and Chardin Claybourne her mentors.
“They are the best mentors I could ask for. I’m blessed to have them in my life,” said Jackson. “The Bowers Focus Group was a great contributor to my decision to transfer to U-M, because it gave me the confidence to apply. Before joining the Focus Group, I lacked confidence in public speaking and networking. I became prepared to do well in academics and as a professional. The Focus Group supported me in all the other ventures I was interested in.”
She continued: “I was able to excel at HFC because the faculty and students pushed me to become a better student, to learn more, to think outside the box, and not fall into a pattern. I took courses like sociology with instructor Brian Smith to broaden my view. Being at HFC also made me a better leader and ambitious about seeking out opportunities. I made many connections that I couldn’t have made anyplace else. I have a brand new mindset on how to network and how to talk to people and how to be confident doing it.”
Community involvement inspired her to create DIME
Jackson directed the credit to her completion of the SIC Fellowship and winning $7,000 to the Bowers Focus Group because it prepared her academically, professionally, and socially. She was able to learn important skills, including:
- Engaging communities
- Writing grants
- Budgeting for projects
“These skills are helpful now, and I can translate them to any field I desire to be in,” said Jackson. “It’s definitely been amazing.”
During the SIC Fellowship, Jackson participated in workshops and created DIME, which is focused on bridging the resource gap between the city of Westland’s financial resources and small businesses. Her goal is to foster economic growth and social wellbeing by connecting these groups with the tools and support they need to thrive.
“In Westland, we’ve had shifts in leadership over the course of many years,” she said. “HFC and the Bowers Focus Group encouraged me to become active in my community, starting by attending city council meetings. I learned residents’ needs weren’t being met, which pushed me to learn more about politics and how government systems work. Hence, my degree in political science.”
This inspired Jackson to create DIME, which stands for:
- Diminishing financial fear
- Increasing access to resources
- Motivating immediate action
- Equipping the community with tools for success
“After community and stakeholder engagement, I found a disconnect between resources in Westland, particularly financial resources, through interviews with people and at city council meetings,” explained Jackson. “Small business owners and community leaders expressed this concern. There are limited financial resources in the southern part of Westland. I listened to people’s stories and connected with what I wanted to do in the first place: Make resources available. That pushed me to create this program.”
Empowering through thoughtful collaborations and strategies
The $7,000 from the SIC Fellowship has been a tremendous help as Jackson gets DIME up and running.
“Right now, it’s in its developmental stages. In the coming months, I want to raise awareness for what we’re trying to do, raise more funding, and get the community engaged so we can prepare for next year. By next year, we’re looking to launch a summer program,” she said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity HFC has provided me because this concept of DIME has been in my mind for a long time, but it has never been able to fully come to life. HFC and the Bowers Focus Group have been contributing factors in pushing for it and making my dreams come true.”
Besides launching DIME, Jackson hopes to earn her master’s degree in urban planning and work in that field. One career goal is to run for mayor of Westland.
“I've always had a heart for finding meaningful connections,” said Jackson. “I specialize in project management to help communities discover solutions that link families and organizations with essential resources. I believe real change starts with us, the people, and I’m dedicated to empowering others through thoughtful collaboration and strategies.”
