Target VP is Alum, Board Member and Active Volunteer for AIA

Athletes in Action has had the opportunity to influence thousands of athletes and coaches around the world through various ministries, including campus staff, stints in other countries, and international and domestic competing teams.

One person greatly impacted by AIA is Kenya Jackson, who, after his collegiate career at North Central University, participated in nine tours with AIA basketball through the decade of the 1990s. Jackson was able to play in Bolivia, Brazil, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tunisia, Russia, Italy, Turkey and Australia.

Jackson also completed AIA volunteer training at the ministry headquarters in Xenia, Ohio, in 2009.

Jackson says the relationships he made while touring with Athletes in Action made a profound impact on his life.

“I was able to see men who were genuinely transparent when talking about their personal lives, sports and faith. That has helped me in my relationships with those I can influence,” says Jackson, a member on the AIA Board of Trustees. 

While touring with AIA, Jackson also learned what it was like to be able to share his faith with others.

“(On tour) I had the privilege and responsibility to share how I received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior,” Jackson says. “That experience was very powerful and life-changing as I obtained boldness for the Lord that is with me today.” 

Jackson, believes in Athletes in Action’s commitment to developing diversity in current and future staff.

“When we all get to heaven, we’ll see the kingdom of God is diverse.  It’s very important that our AIA staff reflects the global community that we serve,” he says. “The AIA leadership team has taken strategic and very deliberate steps to improve diversity and inclusion at AIA long term and for that, I am grateful.”

Jackson currently serves as vice president of marketing and operations for Target.

He and his wife Kelly and their two sons Kaleb and Asher reside in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

By Tommy Young, AIA Communications by kathy harl 3. May 2012 04:30

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