Wednesday, March, 29 | 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Session: D1: Energy Equity and Sustainability | Track D: Resiliency and Reliability- Adapting to Climate Trends
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation | Founder and CEO
Presentation Title:
Bringing Energy Efficiency to Underserved Communities
Abstract
In partnership with implementation partner Leidos, the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program donated $175,000 to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (JJK Foundation) in East St. Louis to purchase an electric shuttle bus and charging station. The JJK Foundation currently provides transportation services to roughly 75% of their participating students with an aging transportation fleet, most of which are living in underserved and diverse communities with limited transportation access. This electric shuttle bus will provide a sustainable method of transportation for students for the foreseeable future. This will be the first electric vehicle charger at a community-serving institution in the East St. Louis area. The use of EV vehicles in underserved communities not only helps reduce carbon emissions, but it also helps to educate at-risk youth about the benefits of energy efficiency in everyday life and how they can make an impact for the future.
Bio
Jackie Joyner-Kersee, the "Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century," works by intentionally expanding the opportunities for learning and achievements in science and technology across biology, agriculture, artificial intelligence, and geospatial information systems. Her work allows people of all ages to access education, sports, culture, and lifelong learning. Jackie's accomplishments, leadership, and generous sharing of her talents benefit everyone she comes in and connects with. Jackie has used her training and skills in the Olympics to inspire organizations, companies, and youth across leadership, determination, and social issues today. Jackie has a new children's book, "Jackie Joyner-Kersee Running for the Gold: Connecting Kids to Dreams," which encourages children to dream big and shares the tools she used to win six Olympic medals. Also, Jackie's Winning Life program empowers everyone to succeed through self-confidence, character development, and leadership development. In 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) awarded the Director's Community Leadership Award to the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation. This distinctive award was formally created in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for combating terrorism, cybercrime, illegal drugs, gangs, and other crimes leading to violence in America. The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation is one of 56 individuals or organizations around the United States who received the award.