Meet Alexis Jackson | North Dallas Moms

We are so excited about this week’s Meet-A-Mom feature Alexis Jackson.

She’s the Director of Economic Development for the City of Celina – which you all know that we absolutely adore.

She’s also just a gem of a person. We had so much fun learning about her through this interview – and we hope you do too!

XO – M&M

1. Tell us a little bit about you!
44 year old, single mom. Originally from Florida. Go Gators. I moved to Texas in 2007. I joke that I got here as fast as I could. I miss the beaches in Florida but Texas is home now.

2. How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
1 kiddo, Wyatt Stone Jackson, 5 years old.

3. What’s your favorite thing about being a mom?
How much fun we have. How goofy we are together. How he reminds me to slow down and enjoy the quiet moments.

4. How did you end up in Prosper/Celina?
I was recruited to come work for the City of Celina.

5. What do you love about Prosper/Celina?
The people. Some of the best people I’ve ever met. The people of Celina are the most loyal and passionate about the city. And also the Downtown. It’s walkability. Small scale. Brick streets. Country music. And the events are all family friendly.

6. What’s your favorite restaurant in Prosper/Celina?
It’s a toss between Tender and Toasted Walnut.

7. What’s your favorite place to shop in Prosper/Celina?
Another toss between Annie Jacks and Willow House.

8. What’s your favorite thing to do when you need some “me time”?
Spa. Massage. Facial. Mani Pedi. Collin County Cryo has some great options for massages and facials.

9. Tell us about your career.
I graduated with my Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Univ of Florida in 2001. I definitely fell into planning in college haphazardly. It combined many of my interests. I’ve always been fascinated by how people organize themselves in the built environment. I spent the first 11 years of my career working for large architecture and engineering firms. When the economy dived, I went to the public sector, which I quickly realized was my true calling. That’s where I could make the most impact. I am currently the Director of Economic Development for the City of Celina. It’s definitely a shift from community planning and development. I love it though. I tell people I get to talk about what I love all day and that’s Celina. I am grateful to the EDC Board and the City Council for their support. In the past, all of my bold ideas were met with a lot of “no’s”. I believe you have to have bold ideas and a bold vision in order to make a place great and I want to help make Celina great!

10. What do you love about your career?
Having a direct positive impact on the community. When a resident or business owners comes up to me and is grateful for the positive changes.

11. What is one thing you look forward to every year?
Christmas

12. How do you juggle your career with being a mom?
It’s tough for sure. You have to be able to ask for help sometimes. In addition, I have gotten good at compartmentalizing. When I am working, I am all in. When I am home, it’s all about being a mom. Setting boundaries too is important. Knowing when to say no as well.

13. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
You have to teach people how to treat you.

14. What’s one fun fact about you?
I ran with the bulls in Pamplona one summer.

 

 

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