Dana Jackson
Managing Director, Global Information & Business Solutions, Legg Mason Global Asset Management
Who inspires you? What did they motivate you to achieve or accomplish?
When I think about who inspires me, so many people come to mind. The saying “it takes a village” really resonates with me. There were a lot of people who gave of themselves to make sure I had a vision of what I could become that extended beyond what I thought was possible.
I get a sense of pride that actually brings a smile to my face when I think about all the people who shared their time, advice, and words of encouragement to help shape the person I have become.
I am motivated when I think about how my grandmother worked hard to raise eight children by herself; the sacrifices my mother made to ensure that I got a good education; and the words of advice and encouragement from my aunts, uncles, friends, and mentors.
So, I am motivated by “the village that raised me” to hold myself responsible and accountable for helping others through mentoring and leveraging my position at Legg Mason to provide internship opportunities for high school and college students.
I am also inspired and motivated on a daily basis to be the best husband and dad I can be.
How do you give back to the African American community?
At Legg Mason, I co-founded, and am the current co-chair of, our African-American Employee Resource Group called AHEAD (African Americans Helping to Enhance and Advance Diversity). The group was established to foster the exchange of ideas and information relevant to the growth and unique experience of African Americans. We focus on giving back to the community through organized learning and volunteer activities, and promoting the importance of inclusion aligned with Legg Mason’s diversity goals.
AHEAD has partnered with organizations such as Boys Hope Girls Hope (Baltimore), Bottom Line (NY/CT), Urban Alliance (Baltimore), and Baltimore Youth Works to provide internships, resume writing classes, and etiquette training.
I am also a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. I really enjoy helping my “little brother” navigate his teenage years. It is rewarding for both of us, but at the same time makes me feel really old!
What is your favorite quote, and why?
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
This is my favorite quote because it speaks to integrity and courage. For me, it means having the integrity to stand on the side of truth and do what’s right, and the courage do to so when it may not be to my benefit.
It’s that thought process that I believe has made me successful and respected in my community and profession.