The Jackson Women’s History Council is pleased to announce the Susan B. Anthony/Harriet Tubman and Emerging Leaders for 2025. The 49th annual celebration event “Women Educating and Inspiring Generations” celebration event will be held on March 9 at Cascades Manor House. Reservations for the event are required. Contact lindafurgason@gmail.com.
Susan B.Anthony/Harriet Tubman recipients:
Tasha Carter: Tasha is a long-time community leader and activist. She founded Residents in Action in 2020 and became executive director. She originally focused on mitigating the spread of COVID because of her experience in health care with the local hospital. She eventually quit her long time job to devote her energy and time to the cause of creating safe spaces for women through Residents in Jackson. RIA has partnered with the City of Jackson to provide a homeless shelter in the former T.A.Wilson school managed by RI and Partial to Girls. Her impact in the community is ground-breaking and inspirational.
Kelly Crum: Kelly has focused on equity, creating cultures of caring, amplifying voices of historically marginalized groups, and ensuring access for children and young adults to opportunities to ensure success and acceptance. She currently serves as the Director of School Climate and Curriculum for Jackson Public Schools, which she uses as a springboard to eliminate barriers and increase on-ramps to ensure every student can achieve academic and social success. She has actively mentored the Sisters of Strength, a group of young women who work together to develop community. She has received many awards and serves on many boards in the Jackson area. She is a persistent, bold, hardworking champion for our community.
Angelita Velesco Gunn: Angelita has devoted her career to caring for women who are/were victims of domestic violence. She is a certified trainer for the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards on the Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. She is currently project manager for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Division of Victim Services. Locally, she represents the Third Ward of the City of Jackson on the City Council since 2021. She has participated in several community-wide initiatives. She reflects the work of Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman who also worked to five women and the disadvantaged a voice and power.
Brigette Robinson: Brigette is a tireless advocate for women and girls. As Director of Annual Giving and Alumni Relations at Jackson College she has been a constant champion for women through her work with MI-ACE Women of JC Network. She was elected for the MI Community College Association’s Leadership Academy. Her leadership in mentoring programs, fundraising initiatives, and community-building efforts reflects her commitment to creating opportunities where no previously existed. She helped raise funds to build Jackson’s first handicap-accessible playground, advocating for children with special needs. She is a role model for women and girls, and her selflessness and vision for a better future is evident.
Emerging Leaders
Belle Coty: Belle is a visionary who leads with heartfelt determination, hope, and optimism. She outspokenly champions women in the arts and believes deeply in the power of music to connect and heal. Her leadership has built connections with organizations in Jackson, including the Girl Scouts, Women in Recovery, Jackson Pride Center and the Business and Professional Women’s organization. Her leadership in the Jackson Symphony Organization has increased access to music education, increased participation in concerts, and promoted the “Equal Billing” project. This is where women composers of the past and present are provided equal billing to their male counterparts. She is the founder and president of Capital Harp Ensemble, a nonprofit organization that provides harp lessons to students at a significantly reduced cost. On the side, she is a “gig musician” performing for events. She is truly an inspiring leader and a role model for women and girls.
Angela Evans: Angela is the Program Director for Gems of Jackson Childcare and Education Center and will soon be Program Director for the Welcome Home Organization’s Childcare and Education Center. She manages centers that are open 24/7 to offer families the opportunity to work second and third shifts. She works with families to ensure they have dependable, stable, loving and education-based child-care when they may not fit into the typical childcare operating hours. Angela understands that being in childcare means you are a teacher, a caregiver, an advocate and sometimes a shoulder to cry on for parents in need. She is at work each day with a positive attitude. She volunteers for other programs as well. She is a stellar representative of women helping women and is a driven woman in her own right.
Jazmyn Ragland: Jazmyn is the founder and CEO of New Smiles, New Beginnings, Inc. Her organization provides accessible dental care and oral health education to underserved communities, focusing on preventative treatments. Her facebook page states, “Black children face disproportionately higher rates of untreated tooth decay due to systemic barriers. Let’s continue working together to ensure access to care for all.” She has unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers, she empowers the uninsured and underinsured to reclaim their smiles and health.
At Jackson College, she led her dental hygiene class and at U of M while getting her degree championed legislative change for oral health accessibility. In Jackson, she is filling a deep need.
