Dr. Jacqueline L. Sanderlin, Founder/Executive Director

Dr. Jacqueline L. Sanderlin (Dr. Jackie) is an accomplished educator, author, community ambassador and empowerment speaker, whose commitment to urban communities has led to dramatic improvements in some of Southern California’s toughest schools. She has served over 30 years as a general education teacher, special education teacher, curriculum specialist, assistant principal, principal, program coordinator and executive director of school and community relations. 

Dr. Jackie’s passion for community partnerships has led to over 350 community partners who invested in schools and communities in need! Her mission for community empowerment has led to educators and CEO’s around the country clamoring to incorporate her model into their schools and organizations. 

She has earned a B.A. Degree in Communications/Public Relations, M.A. Degree in Special Education, both from Cal State University Dominguez Hills and Ed.D. in Education, Leadership, Administration, and Policy from Pepperdine University. She continued her education and graduated from the ACSA Superintendents' Academy and the Principals' Center at Harvard University. She is a proud advisory board member of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for California (SEL4CA) and the co-producer of the Dr. Jackie STEM/STEAM program for Digital Hollywood. 

During 2012 - 2014, her work landed her as a guest on the Ellen Show and became the consulting producer of the NBC reality show, School Pride. She went around the country, empowering community leaders to transform broken schools and make them into an oasis. 

She is currently the Founder/CEO of the Why Not Incubator, which is a non-profit organization and designed to foster wellness, hope, and resilience to all communities. She is a frequent keynote speaker at many  conferences and summits across the country. 

Her passion and wide knowledge of community wellness and engagement is unparalleled! 

Her motto is: community empowerment starts with you…why not?