Tobi Jackson is a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s educational landscape. With 15 years of dedicated service on the school board, she has championed transparency in education and expanded Out-of-School Time (OST) programs across the city. Her work has not only enhanced educational opportunities but also fostered stronger community bonds, ensuring that children and families have the support they need beyond the classroom.
More than just a leader, she is a relentless advocate who brings optimism and energy to every cause she supports. Her decades of work in parenting, education, health, and safety have made a lasting impact, and her commitment to public service is undeniable.
Many in Fort Worth turn to her in moments of crisis, and for good reason—she leads with heart and action. Whether it is through policy change, hands-on community engagement, or advocating for marginalized groups, she consistently places people at the forefront of her leadership.
"You may be a leader, but you're not the most important person, so keep your ego out of it. It's more important to know that the community as a whole and individually is the key. You must stay focused on them."
Prioritizing Community Needs
Tobi believes in the power of a clear vision and collaboration to improve the community and assess and determine your collaborative goals.
"You should have a vision to believe things can be better. The community must believe in the work and that change is on the way, not just possible. It may not change in this decade; however, implementation now is essential to build change with initial betterment. Everything you do should be about all the people in your community."
She understands that true change takes time and persistence. Immediate actions set the foundation for long-term transformations, and having community buy-in ensures sustainability. Tobi stresses that leaders must not only implement policies but also continuously engage with residents to refine and adapt strategies for maximum impact.
Building Collaborative Relationships
Tobi knows that real progress happens when communities work together. One initiative she helped implement was a book-sharing program for kids, fostering a love for reading and connection among neighbors.
“We gave ten books to one child, ten to another down the street, and repeated that across different areas. If they exchanged books, we knew the program was working. If not, we reevaluated.”
She stresses the importance of having a strong community catalyst—someone who builds relationships and drives change.
“Policies, programs, and practices only change when someone with courage and deep community ties steps up.”
Building relationships within a community means investing in people, understanding their needs, and making space for diverse voices. Leaders must create environments where open discussions thrive and where every community member feels valued and heard. Tobi continuously works to ensure that partnerships between elected officials, nonprofits, and neighborhood leaders are nurtured, allowing for more cohesive and effective change.
Understanding the Power of Engaged Communities
Tobi believes community engagement is the most powerful tool for transformation. She highlights former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price’s work in public health and infrastructure as an example.
“People didn’t realize how much Mayor Price did—bike lanes, the Blue Zones Project, showing up everywhere she was needed. That’s real engagement—when people keep coming back to participate.”
Her habits reflect this philosophy. She never valets her car, choosing instead to park and walk, a simple way to stay connected to the community. Walking through neighborhoods allows her to interact with residents informally, gaining insight into their daily experiences and concerns. She believes that effective leadership isn’t about making decisions from behind a desk - it’s about being present, listening, and taking action based on firsthand observations.
She also recognizes that engagement must be consistent. A single event or policy won’t create lasting change, but continuous involvement ensures that the community remains active in shaping its future. This philosophy has guided many of her projects, from improving public education to strengthening city infrastructure.
Making Community Engagement Personal
She stresses the importance of one-on-one engagement and working with people who have diverse viewpoints. She believes the strongest decisions are made with those you respect, even if they have differing opinions.
"We always talk about moving the community by working through groups like neighborhood associations, but one-on-one engagement can also offer value. Working with those who think diversely is so important. The strongest decisions are built with those you respect and with whom you have a differing viewpoint."
One-on-one engagement, while sometimes challenging, is seen by Tobi as a critical tool for building community impact because it is founded on the essential ingredient of trust. She also values direct conversations, knowing they build trust and long-term relationships.
“People text or call me constantly - some to talk, some because they’re upset. It’s not always easy, but these are the voices that drive real change.”
She doesn’t shy away from tough conversations because she understands that the most difficult discussions often lead to the most meaningful progress. She notes that leadership can be challenging, especially when emotions run high, but maintaining open channels of communication ensures that the needs of the people remain at the center of every decision.
Tobi's Tips for Managing Leadership Challenges
Surrounding yourself with people who will tell you the truth—rather than what you want to hear—is essential. Honest feedback leads to better decision-making and prevents leaders from becoming disconnected from reality.
Find honest advisors.
“If you’re unsure, ask trusted individuals for their perspective. I did that today, and guess what? I was off-base. Their insight helped me make a better decision.”
Surrounding yourself with people who will tell you the truth - rather than what you want to hear - is essential. Honest feedback leads to better decision-making and prevents leaders from becoming disconnected from reality.
Earn trust through fairness.
“Not everyone will like you, but if you’re fair, they’ll respect you and work with you.”
Leadership is about integrity, not popularity. Making difficult but fair decisions ensures long-term credibility and the ability to foster cooperative relationships, even with those who may disagree with you.
Ignore the noise.
“People will write negative things about you - don’t give it energy. Focus on doing the right thing."
In the digital age, criticism is unavoidable. Tobi advises leaders to stay focused on their mission rather than getting distracted by negativity or external pressures.
Know when to step away.
“Sometimes you have to walk through fire, but always keep your priorities straight.”
Leadership often requires resilience, but knowing when to remove yourself from an unproductive or toxic situation is just as important as knowing when to persevere.
Prioritize family.
“It’s easy to get too caught up in work. My daughters remind me that if it were one of my ‘babies’ from the community, I’d drop everything. That’s a wake-up call.”
Work is important, but balance is key. A leader’s effectiveness is diminished if personal well-being and relationships suffer. Tobi constantly reminds herself to dedicate time to her family, acknowledging that leadership extends beyond professional responsibilities.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Tobi Jackson’s body of work reminds us that real change takes vision, collaboration, and trust. Her approach to leadership serves as an inspiration for those seeking to create lasting, positive impact in their own communities. Her insights and experiences underscore the importance of trust and the continual pursuit of balance between professional dedication and personal life.
Fort Worth, Texas, is undoubtedly stronger and more connected because of leaders like Tobi, whose tireless efforts inspire positive change and continued community growth.
More Resources
Are you interested in learning more about Tobi's nonprofit or the Out-of-School (OST) time initiative? Click to visit these helpful resources:
The National Institute on Out-of-School Time bridges research into practice by translating data into actionable resources for out-of-school time (OST) professionals.
Fort Worth SPARC is a network of Fort Worth's many different after-school and summer programs. They collaborate with the City of Fort Worth, all 14 Fort Worth school districts within Fort Worth, and various community organizations. They strive to improve all youth programs by encouraging and providing advocacy, resources, and collaboration.
Blue Zones Project Fort Worth is a community-led well-being improvement initiative, implemented by North Texas Healthy Communities, a well-being outreach arm of Texas Health Resources. They partner with businesses, schools, community leaders, and residents to make healthier choices easier to make.