Jackie Gamblin
Whether it was passing out snacks for the teacher or volunteering to tutor kids with their school work, Dayton Foundation donor Jacqueline Gamblin learned early on the importance and joy of helping others. Influenced by a strong faith and the examples of her father, a retired military veteran, and her mother, a retired food service manager, Jackie has made service to others and the community the cornerstone of her career, volunteer work and charitable endeavors.
“At a young age, I realized I had found my purpose to be a helper,” said Jackie, founder and CEO of JYG Innovations, a woman-owned, small technology business founded in 2009. “Every one of us has needed or will need help at some point in our lives.”
Jackie’s academic achievements in high school led her to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she found out that leaning on others doesn’t mean you are any less prepared or capable. It was learning to accept help and the gratitude for those who lifted her up that further cemented Jackie’s desire to give back.
“When we live interdependently, embracing our strengths and weaknesses and are considerate of the same in others, we can all struggle less and celebrate more,” she said.
My advice is to give what you can, whether you are donating your time or dollars.
– Jackie Gamblin, African-American Community Fund donor
This philosophy inspired Jackie to establish two charitable funds in 2019 through the African-American Community Fund of The Dayton Foundation. One fund supports causes and organizations important to her, and the other aids aspiring college students.
“I know college is not for everyone, but, for those who wish to attend, I believe in helping to eliminate barriers. The labor market is competitive, and many of the skills developed in college assist students in finding future employment,” she said. “Helping others get an education makes me feel like I am investing in someone’s pursuit of a goal.”
To date, $6,000 has been awarded from the Yokley-Gamblin Family Scholarship Fund to help African-American students who reside in Montgomery County, have a 2.5 to 3.0 grade point average and are active volunteers. She wants to assist well-rounded students who are involved in serving their school, church or community, but who may not have as many opportunities for scholarships as students who have higher grade point averages.
“The Dayton Foundation has a stellar reputation in our community for managing a variety of ways to give back,” she said. “The tools available through the Foundation have made it easy for me to identify candidates for scholarships and plan for continuous giving from my family.”
Jackie’s love for community and serving others only has grown stronger throughout her more than three-decade career. She has served on the board of trustees for many of Greater Dayton and Ohio’s most prominent organizations, including Central State University, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and Dayton Children’s. In addition, she serves as a director for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and is a senior advisor for the Greater Ohio Valley Chapter of Women in Defense. A 2022 YWCA Women of Influence Award honoree, Jackie is known throughout the region as a transformative thought leader, mentor and volunteer.
When we live interdependently, embracing our strengths and weaknesses and are considerate of the same in others, we can all struggle less and celebrate more.
–Jackie Gamblin
Beyond the accolades and accomplishments, however, Jackie would most like to be known for having a foundation of faith, a heart of gratitude and a passion for helping others. She encourages others to find the joy in giving back, just as she does.
“Many people are discouraged from giving because they believe it has to be a certain amount,” Jackie said. “However, those in need will appreciate whatever you are willing to share. My advice is to give what you can, whether you are donating your time or dollars.
“There is an African proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others,’” she continued. “If you do this, if you help somebody, then your living will not be in vain.”