JACKSON LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Candace, a Jackson native, has served as a ministry leader in the Jackson Metropolitan Area for more than 15 years. Serving as the Partner Services Coordinator, Candace helps connect community leaders with the support and resources needed in order to thrive. Candace graduated from Jackson State University and is currently pursuing her M.A., with an emphasis in intercultural city ministry, at Reformed Theological Seminary. She desires to help develop fruitful and Gospel-centered outreach ministry. In addition to her responsibilities at JLF, Candace serves as the assistant music director at Redeemer Church alongside her husband, Symeon Robins. They are the proud parents of Nylah, Zeek, Brayden, and Christen Grace.
Job Titles:
- Member of the BOARD of DIRECTORS
Emily Hardin grew up in Houston, Texas but quickly realized upon graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in Education that "home" was wherever Van Hardin was. After marrying in 2005, Emily and Van bought a house in Jackson and have lived here ever since. Emily is the Program Director of Red Door Jackson - a mentoring ministry that matches children and youth from grades K-12 with compassionate and committed adults. Through mentoring and tutoring, Red Door Jackson builds mutually transformative relationships so that all image-bearers may taste and see that the Lord is good! Red Door Jackson believes that we are designed to live in deep connection to God and to one another. Emily is compelled by the opportunity to partner with God in bringing heaven to Earth right here in Jackson, starting at home with their three sons - Asher, Jeremiah, and Amos. The Hardins are members of Fondren Church where Van serves as the Missions Pastor.
Karleigh grew up in a family who led a ministry and church plant in the city of Jackson for 15 years. She holds a degree from Mississippi College and has more than 10 years of experience working for nonprofit organizations. After serving a legal ministry in New York City one summer, Karleigh is driven to see the needs of God's world be met by His faithful followers. Most recently, she served a residential nonprofit agency as Director of Advancement, where she implemented strategies which nearly doubled contributions. Alongside her husband Daniel who serves on staff at Fondren Church, Karleigh enjoys the art, food, and music of Mississippi with their daughter Stella.
Job Titles:
- Members of Redeemer Church
Lee is a Jackson native who is passionate about helping people and connecting them to resources for their advancement. Lee lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma for seven years, while going to school and working in service & financial sectors. With a bachelor's degree and master's degree in Leadership from Oral Roberts University (Tulsa, OK), Lee is a 2022 Fellow for the New Leaders Council Oklahoma Chapter. He loves to connect with family and friends, eat really good sushi, and watch shows like Parks & Recreation, Frasier, and Abbott Elementary.
Job Titles:
- Member of the BOARD of DIRECTORS
Samuel's life passion is to connect the church across cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical lines. He has served in ministry for over a decade, both in establishing and leading community ministries in low-income neighborhoods, as well as working in pastoral ministry in churches. As Executive Director, Samuel and his team get to work with Jackson's "superheroes," her grassroots ministry leaders working in communities throughout the city. He also gets the privilege of connecting individuals, families, churches, and businesses to invest their time, talent, and treasure in Jackson's leaders. Samuel, his wife Hallie, and their three sons reside in Jackson and are members of Redeemer Church.