[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 136 (Tuesday, August 15, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JAUQUA WILKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 15, 2023

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jauqua Wilkins 
for her induction into the Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas 
City. Jauqua is passionate about empowering the underrepresented, 
improving access to quality education, and strengthening diversity and 
inclusion efforts. She understands how systemic inequality 
disproportionately affects minority families by providing fewer 
opportunities for economic mobility. Consequently, she has devoted her 
time and energy to building a more just equitable world.
  As a child, Jauqua and her mother attended events that celebrated 
Black culture in the United States. These events gave Jauqua a strong 
sense of belonging and a positive self-image. After earning a 
bachelor's degree in biology at the University of Arkansas at Pine 
Bluff and a master's degree in education at American International 
University, Jauqua began teaching biology and algebra in special 
education classrooms. She believes that educating her local community 
is a way to close wealth gaps, and her teaching experience includes 
work at Southwest Charter, Hickman Mills C-1 school district, the 
Economic Opportunity Foundation, and the Full Employment Council. While 
teaching at the Economic Opportunity Foundation, she was awarded the 
mentor of the year award for 2009-2010.
  In 2013, Jauqua became a career development specialist at MINACT, 
Inc., where she assisted students in developing the skills needed to 
find meaningful job opportunities. Jauqua later served as the Vice 
President of Programs and Operations at the Urban League of Greater 
Kansas City from 2016 to 2021. She crafted policies and programs, set 
strategic goal-setting initiatives, and conducted evaluations within 
the Urban League. In 2021, Jauqua became the Diversity, Equity, & 
Inclusion Program Manager II at Cerner Corporation in Kansas City, 
Missouri. In this position, she helped implement new programs and 
policies that highlighted disparities of accessibility and outcomes. 
Jauqua was promoted as the Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 
Officer at the Oracle Cerner Corporation. In addition to creating 
cultural and diversity programs, she now develops and implements 
procedures with an inclusive decision making process. Jauqua's 
experience as a Diversity and Inclusion officer will serve as a 
powerful asset not only to the Black Achievers Society of Greater 
Kansas City, but also to the greater Kansas City community.
  Moreover, Jauqua has been a very active member within her community. 
Her service experience includes being a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha 
Sorority, Inc.,--Mu Omega Chapter. She currently serves on the 
University of Missouri Extension and Engagement Advisory Committee. In 
this role, she serves as a catalyst by building connections between 
people, communicating the value of the committee's work, and receiving 
feedback from others on how to improve Missourians' lives. She was also 
a part of the KC Chamber Centurions Leadership Program and Steering 
Committee of the Apex Class of 2022. Jauqua served as a council member 
of the YMCA People Service Council and as a secretary of the Kansas 
City International School Board. In addition, Jauqua has been 
recognized by the Greater Kansas City Chapter of Societas Docta for her 
advocacy in Civil Rights. Jauqua has served in numerous leadership 
roles within the Kansas City metropolitan area.
  Jauqua has shown time after time that she is a mission-driven and 
visionary leader who does exceptionally well while in leadership roles. 
There's no doubt in my mind that Jauqua is a great addition to the 
Black Achievers Society of Greater Kansas City. Mr. Speaker, please 
join me in applauding Jauqua Wilkins for all her contributions to our 
community and the great work that she will continue to do.

                          ____________________