Tarsha Jackson is the Founder and Executive Director of Urban Community Network (UCN), a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to creating safer, healthier, and more economically vibrant communities through workforce development, violence prevention, and community engagement. A lifelong Houstonian, Tarsha was raised in Acres Homes, Greenspoint, and North Forest—communities that shaped her lifelong commitment to service and advocacy.

Her journey into community leadership began as a mother fighting for justice after her oldest son, who has special needs, entered the juvenile justice system at just ten years old for a classroom disruption. That life-changing experience transformed her into one of Texas’ leading advocates for juvenile justice reform and inspired a career devoted to changing systems and expanding opportunities for families.

In 2004, Tarsha co-founded Texas Families of Incarcerated Youth, helping lead statewide reforms that resulted in the passage of Texas Senate Bill 103 (2007), landmark legislation that ended the incarceration of youth for most misdemeanor offenses. In 2011, she was awarded the prestigious Soros Justice Fellowship, where she led a national initiative focused on reducing youth involvement in the justice system and elevating the voices of impacted families.

After years of statewide advocacy, Tarsha founded Urban Community Network in 2017 to address the root causes of poverty, unemployment, violence, and community instability. Under her leadership, UCN has become a trusted community partner, bringing together residents, employers, educational institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to create lasting change.

In 2022, UCN launched BeSuccessful, the organization’s signature workforce and community empowerment initiative. Through BeSuccessful, UCN has connected more than 2,000 residents to employment opportunities, career coaching, industry-recognized training, supportive services, and second-chance employment pathways. The initiative also develops Community Health Workers, Credible Messengers, and neighborhood leaders who help strengthen families while reducing barriers to employment and economic mobility.

Tarsha’s leadership is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves access to opportunity, regardless of their past or circumstances. Through innovative partnerships and community-driven solutions, she continues to advance UCN’s mission of building stronger neighborhoods by investing in people.

Her work has earned local and national recognition, including the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Natalie S. Bimel Award, the Soros Justice Fellowship, the Texas Observer’s Tyrant’s Foe Award, the American Leadership Criminal Justice Fellowship, and the Bill of Rights Defense Committee Patriot Award.

Tarsha earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, graduating cum laude from Texas Southern University in 2023. She remains committed to creating pathways to economic prosperity and empowering communities throughout the Greater Houston area.

Her guiding philosophy is simple: “Every resident deserves the opportunity to BeSuccessful.”