Jacqueline Smith Armstrong, Board Vice Advisor

 Jacqueline Smith Armstrong is a lifelong resident of Seattle’s historic Central District, she proudly lives in the childhood home purchased by her parents in 1947.  Jacqueline witnessed the sacrifices her parents’ made to be black homeowners.   Her father’s favorite quote was  “put your money in dirt”.  In 2019 Jacqueline joined the Africatown Community Land Trust Board (ACLT) and currently holds the position of Vice Chair.  The ACLT mission directly aligns with her personal values and spiritual beliefs (encouraging generational wealth, and acquiring land to develop for the Black diaspora). She is deeply committed to fighting gentrification and supporting affordable home ownership in the Central District. 

 

Retired Human Resources professional with over 20 years’ experience specializing in the field of Employment Services, Corporate and Community Networking, Social Activism, Workshop Facilitation and a strong passion for community outreach. Jacqueline remains committed to encouraging Youth to achieve home ownership and create generational wealth.  She is also the Co-business partner of Master Class Signature Series (MCSS), a fast paced virtual workshop to prepare Youth for Success with Interview Skills, Resume Preparation, Social Etiquette, and Dress for Success. 

During her professional career, Jacqueline held the position of Senior Employment Specialist for the Seattle Goodwill Job Training & Education Program. She created a successful workshop series for the Youth Program.  Working tirelessly to build employer partnerships for job placement opportunities which resulted in organizing Meet the Employers event.  This event was widely attended by corporate and community partners resulting in a great opportunity to build strong partnerships.  Committed to ensuring exposure for black & brown youth to learn about cultural experiences, she developed the Table Etiquette workshop to prepare students for the Annual Seattle Goodwill Glitter Gala event, where the students are celebrated as honored guests.

Jacqueline was part of the 1984 Pre-Opening Team and enjoyed an extensive career with the Washington State Convention & Trade Center (WSCTC), where she held the role of Community Relations Manager, working closely with the Seattle-King County Visitors Bureau.  Organized public events, inviting children from underserved communities to attend Art Walks and Tours of the WSCTC, continuing to build community bridges advocating for diversity and inclusion.

In the early 1980’s, Jacqueline was the Legislative Assistant to State Representative Jesse Wineberry, 43rd Legislative District.  Jacqueline advocated for residents to voice their concerns and resolve issues.  She demonstrated the importance of accountability and inclusion, building a bridge of communication between state and local politics.

Jacqueline is affiliated with Evergreen Goodwill Industries, Tabor 100, and Puget Sound Diversity Task Force. Jacqueline holds an AA Degree in Common Sense, a BA Degree in Sacrifice; a Master’s Degree in Hard Work and a PHD in Black Self Love.