As Diann Jackson built her 37-year career as a Programmer Analyst at Regions Bank, she also helped her six children build successful lives of service in medicine, education, technology and the arts.
When Jackson’s daughter Charity — a Spanish teacher at Birmingham’s A. H. Parker High School — learned an electric car had just been thrown on a trash heap, Jackson told her to go grab it. She was sure they could use it to shape the young minds of her students.
And that’s just what they did. Charity Jackson became a Robotics sponsor at the school, and her mom became her chief volunteer. For weeks they taught lessons in coding, mechanics, problem solving, analysis and decision-making as the Robotics team rebuilt the car. Then the moment of truth: This past April, for the first time ever, the Parker High Robotics Team competed in Electrathon Alabama, against Alabama and Georgia high school and college students who drove electric-powered vehicles they designed for one hour on a closed-loop course.
“In their first year competing, they placed seventh out of 20,” said Jackson. “I’m happy with the kids and what they’ve accomplished.”
Now Jackson and her daughter are helping the Parker Robotics Team enhance their car with hopes of another successfully entering another electrathon next spring. Jackson also coaches the robotics team at Birmingham’s Oxmoor Valley Elementary School.
Citing her dedication to shaping young minds, Regions presented Jackson the Better Life Award on Wednesday. The Better Life Award is the top honor given to a Regions associate for outstanding dedication and job performance, as well as exemplary involvement and commitment to the community.
In addition to the Better Life Award recognition, Regions donates $1,000 in the name of the recipient to a nonprofit organization of the winner’s choice. Jackson chose the Parker Robotics team because of her work with the group.
After raising six adult children, Jackson is once again a new mom. She and her husband have had custody of their 14-month-old great nephew since he was three months old. Jackson sees it as another opportunity to make a lasting impact on a young life.
“The opportunities are out there. If you have a passion, the opportunity will arise for you in that way.”
You can view a video about Jackson on the Regions Financial YouTube Channel.