Photo courtesy of the City of Jackson Mayor's Office
Mayor Scott Conger has selected Ella Watkins, Founder of Sisters with Aspiring Goals (S.W.A.G.), to honor as the City of Jackson’s August Hub City Hero.
Watkins, a retired Jackson-Madison County Schools educator, founded SWAG with the goal to “provide young women with skills and resources to obtain future goals and careers of their choice.”
“I started to wonder what my life would’ve been like if I had to endure some of the same tragedies as these young girls,” says Watkins. “I can only thank GOD for the strong, confident, and caring people that were placed in my life to support and hold me to a higher standard.”
Watkins often collaborates with the City of Jackson’s Recreation and Parks Department to host events such as the Human Trafficking Awareness seminar and suicide prevention programs.
“A hero is defined as a person, who in the opinion of others, is a role model. Ella is just that,” said Conger. “She is a model for selflessness in service for the young women and girls in the SWAG program.”
“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
Criteria
- Committed to improving the quality of life of others in Jackson
- Contributes time to community activities in a volunteer capacity
- Serves as a role model and inspiration to others
- Focuses on growth and well-being of the community we serve
- Empowers and engages others to give back
- Demonstrates integrity, collaboration, innovation and respect
Recipients will be selected monthly and nominations are continuous. To nominate a hero, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov. Candidates must be a resident of Jackson, Tennessee
After a year of heroes have been recognized, one hero will be selected and awarded $1,000 to donate to a non-profit of their choice. For more information, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov.