The Lifelong Careers of Selandria Jackson and Richelle A. McCoy
To understand the Raising Excellence movement, one must look at the decades of service, professional accolades, and public leadership that define its founders. Selandria Jackson and Richelle A. McCoy are not merely authors; they are decorated pioneers in the fields of public policy, media, and community development.
Their combined body of work serves as the blueprint for their transformative guide, Raising Excellence: Empowering Our Sons and Daughters to Lead, Love, and Leave a Legacy.
Selandria Jackson: The Voice of the Community and Student-Athletes
Selandria Jackson’s career is a masterclass in civic engagement and structural community improvement. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, and a graduate of the historic Central High School, she has dedicated over 25 years to fostering growth in the youth of her community.
Lifelong Professional Achievements:
-
LRSD Board of Directors (Zone 3): In March 2026, Selandria was elected to the Little Rock School District Board with a commanding 70.9% of the vote. Her leadership is centered on the "STAND" initiative—Safety, Transparency, Accountability, New Vision, and Dialogue.
-
Student-Athlete Pioneer: Throughout her career, Selandria has been instrumental in athletic based initiatives and overseeing athletic outreach programs that provided scholarships and opportunities to student-athletes.
-
Youth Development Expert: She spent over 20 years in Parks and Recreation, where she managed youth programs and athletics, using sports as a vehicle for character building, teamwork, and discipline.
-
Academic Excellence: Selandria holds a Master’s degree from Clark Atlanta University and a Bachelor’s from Philander Smith College, blending high-level academic theory with grassroots advocacy.
-
Student-Athlete Life Coach: As an entrepreneur and certified coach, she has mentored hundreds of young athletes, helping them navigate the complexities of identity, academic pressure, and professional transitions.
-
VIPS Leadership: For over a quarter-century, she has been a mainstay in the "Volunteers in Public Schools" (VIPS) program, serving as a reading mentor and athletic supporter.
Richelle A. McCoy: The Strategic Visionary and Media Professional
Richelle A. McCoy is a multi-hyphenate leader whose career spans from the high-stakes world of media production to the strategic echelons of organizational leadership. She is the architect of the "Legacy Building" framework that anchors their mission.
Lifelong Professional Achievements:
-
Emmy® Award-Nominated Professional: Richelle’s career in media is distinguished by high-level production and storytelling. Her Emmy-nominated work reflects her ability to communicate complex, emotionally resonant narratives to a global audience—a skill she now applies to literature and motivational speaking.
-
Strategic Leadership (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.): Richelle has held significant leadership roles within Alpha Omega Chapter and 5 different regions of AKA. Her work has focused on Undergraduate Activities and Sisterhood, where she has mentored thousands of young women in leadership, professional etiquette, and community service.
-
Literary Architect: As the co-author and primary editor of Raising Excellence, Richelle transformed personal parenting journals into a structured, pedagogical tool. She is the creator of the "Mom Notes" and "Legacy Vision-Planning" worksheets used by families nationwide.
-
Advocate for Generational Wealth: Beyond her media career, Richelle is a sought-after speaker on "Holistic Excellence," teaching that spiritual health, mental wellness, and academic achievement are interconnected.
-
Community Organizer: Richelle has been a driving force in Southern regional conferences, often serving on steering committees that manage large-scale community service initiatives and educational seminars.
The "Raising Excellence" Movement
Together, Selandria and Richelle have synthesized their distinct professional backgrounds into a singular mission. Their work on RaisingExcellence.org provides a bridge between the school board, the production studio, and the family dinner table.
Why Their Partnership is Unrivaled:
-
Policy Meets Practice: Selandria brings the expertise of a public official who understands the systemic needs of children, while Richelle brings the strategic vision of a media professional who knows how to inspire and mobilize.
-
The Village Philosophy: They advocate for a return to "village-style" parenting, supported by Selandria’s 25 years of volunteerism and Richelle’s decades of organizational mentorship.
-
A Holistic Framework: Their book addresses the whole child—ensuring they are as prepared for the boardroom as they are for the community.
Conclusion
The careers of Selandria Jackson and Richelle A. McCoy prove that excellence is not an accident; it is the result of intention, service, and a lifelong commitment to others. Through their roles as public servants, award-nominated storytellers, and authors, they are paving the way for the next generation of leaders.
Join the movement and explore their full suite of resources at RaisingExcellence.org.