Featuring Ashonti Jackson of Birth to Five Illinois
✨ “When communities lead, real change follows.”
Ashonti Jackson
Last week on the Healthy Mouth Movement Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with someone who’s not just doing the work but changing the way the work gets done. Meet Ashonti Jackson, a powerhouse leader, community strategist, and Regional Council Manager for Birth to Five Illinois in Cook County South (Region 1-B-C).
Ashonti isn’t just advocating for better early childhood education and care (ECEC) systems she’s redefining who gets a seat at the table.
💬 “This isn’t about building for communities it’s about building with them.”
🎯 What is Birth to Five Illinois?
Birth to Five Illinois is transforming the early childhood landscape by putting families at the center of the system. Their mission? To amplify family voices, confront systemic gaps, and co-create a future where all children and caregivers can thrive.
Too often, policies are written without the input of those most affected. Birth to Five is changing that by intentionally involving families, caregivers, providers, and community leaders in shaping how early childhood services are designed, delivered, and improved.
Meet Ashonti Jackson: Advocate. Strategist. Connector.
Ashonti brings over a decade of nonprofit and community leadership experience, leading with heart, hustle, and unmatched strategic clarity.
As the Regional Council Manager for Region 1-B-C, she’s the bridge between systems and stories elevating lived experiences into actionable change.
Her résumé is impressive:
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Member of the Latino Policy Forum’s Multicultural Leadership Academy (2024)
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Part of the Chicago Foundation for Women’s Willie’s Warriors Leadership Cohort
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Champion for equity, representation, and culturally responsive care
But it’s her energy, empathy, and tireless belief in community wisdom that sets her apart.
💬 “Where there are families, there are stories… and those stories matter.”
🗣️ Centering Community Voice: Why It Matters
Ashonti shared powerful insight into what happens when families and community leaders are treated as co-creators in the early childhood system not just participants.
When communities lead:
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Solutions are more equitable
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Programs are more sustainable
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Services are more culturally responsive
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Families feel seen, heard, and valued
This isn’t a side project it’s the blueprint for how lasting change happens.
🧠 “Listening to those most impacted isn’t optional….it’s essential.”
🤝 Building WITH, Not FOR
Ashonti emphasized a radical yet simple idea: build with, not for.
That means:
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Creating councils that reflect the diversity of the community
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Bringing caregivers and parents into real decision-making roles
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Uplifting local leaders, not just external experts
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Turning lived experience into policy insight
At the heart of Birth to Five Illinois is a belief that every family’s voice matters especially those that have been historically silenced or sidelined.
❤️ A Culture of Care
What makes Birth to Five Illinois unique isn’t just what they do but how they do it.
They foster a work culture that:
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Centers equity
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Values rest and well-being
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Celebrates community accomplishments
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Reflects the people they serve
Ashonti embodies this mindset whether she’s facilitating a youth advisory board, managing a community council, or simply listening deeply to a parent’s story.
📞 How to Get Involved
Are you a caregiver, parent, or community member in Illinois who wants to make a difference?
👉 Connect with Ashonti Jackson directly:
📱 309.270.5684
🌐 Meet Region 1-B-C →
👉 Visit the official website:
🌐 Birth to Five Illinois
👉 Follow and support Ashonti’s work:
🔗 Ashonti on LinkedIn
💬 Final Thoughts: Community Is the Catalyst
As Ashonti so beautifully put it, “It truly takes a community.” Whether you’re a parent seeking support or a professional looking to change systems, your voice is needed.
Let’s stop assuming what families need and start asking them. Let’s move from awareness to action.
Let’s shift.
📣 Spread the Word
Know someone who works in early childhood education, policy, or advocacy?
👉 Share this post with them
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🎙 Catch the full podcast episode on The Healthy Mouth Movement
Together, we can build a future that works for all of our children.
