Harvard Kennedy School welcomed its inaugural cohort of American Service Fellows in July. This group of 50 esteemed public servants represent communities from across the United States and bring more than 980 years of collective public service experience.
This cohort reflects the breadth of public leadership in America: combat veterans, career diplomats, small-town teachers, big-city emergency managers, police chiefs, public health and cybersecurity officers, international development experts, and elected officials from both major political parties.
Meet American Service Fellow Shannon Jackson MC/MPA 2027.
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What were you doing professionally before coming to Harvard Kennedy School?
I retired from the U.S. Navy about 18 months ago, so before coming to HKS, I was a relatively new retiree. Since then, I’ve pivoted toward local economic development and urban agriculture. I began a small seed company, providing gardening education and working in the community to build community gardens and promote self-sufficiency and food security.
Before that, I was the deputy director at a Naval Training command. Because of my background in health systems strengthening, I was called on by different military organizations to provide specialized support and consulting on establishing global health engagement worldwide. I was also a disaster services advisor on the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Now, I sit on the board of Medical Bridges, an organization that collects usable medical equipment and supplies in Texas and sends them to communities overseas that need them.
What drew you to military service, and how did it shape your life and eventual career?
I've always been a huge Star Trek fan, so I liked the idea of a society where people lived and worked together and met individuals from different backgrounds and cultures. I think I was always looking for that kind of experience. In high school, I participated in Junior Reserves Officers Training Corps (ROTC)—specifically Navy ROTC—and became familiar with how the Navy worked.
I also loved to travel, so I initially planned to join the U.S. Air Force, but the recruiter never called me back. Then someone from the Navy showed up and told me I'd be able to go to cool places like San Diego and Japan.
I think it was my spirit for adventure that drew me in.
Which experiences most shaped your approach to public service leadership?
My Navy career is kind of a unicorn because I’ve held many different kinds of jobs. One experience that really shaped me was spending about three years working in the clinic at a military prison. That environment required me to negotiate across significant differences and facilitate communication between groups. On one side were officers and prison guards; on the other were prisoners.
Working within that dynamic taught me how to listen carefully, negotiate, understand different perspectives, and ultimately become a great leader. I learned so much from that experience, which helped me later when I became a diplomat.
What does being selected as an American Service Fellow mean to you, personally and professionally?
I still can’t believe I’m here—I’m waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up from this crazy dream. I honestly wish I’d had this experience earlier in my career because it means so much to me.
So often, we feel as though the American dream is slipping away from us. For me, this experience feels like the closest I’m going to get to that dream. It means that my grandfather—who was born in 1909, and whose parents had been born into chattel slavery—has a granddaughter attending Harvard Kennedy School. It represents the ability to lift up my entire family.
“Even with all the turmoil in the world, there are still people who want to find a way forward. My classmates see the light, and HKS is preparing us to move toward it and do the difficult work ahead.”
What perspectives from your military and public service career are you bringing to HKS, and what have you learned from your classmates?
I’ve always understood the importance of following your own path and doing what you want to do. But being around my classmates has shown me how happy people are to be here. Everyone is choosing their own adventure, and it’s remarkable to see people do that later in life at HKS.
In the current political climate, it can be reassuring to come together and find your people. What I’ve learned most from my classmates is that so many people are doing meaningful work in different sectors and parts of the world. My classmates are fascinating, and that gives me hope.
Even with all the turmoil in the world, there are still people who want to find a way forward. My classmates see the light, and HKS is preparing us to move toward it and do the difficult work ahead. Being around people who are going after the things they want and love—it’s just great. It makes me feel uplifted every day.
When you reflect on the people and communities you’ve served, what gives your work meaning and purpose?
Knowing that you can go into a community, affect someone’s life, and see a difference through small actions gives me purpose. Too many people are not being served in the way they should be. Every time I’m able to go into a community and provide a service or help someone, I feel like I’m making meaningful change. I am fulfilled by being able to collaborate and make big system changes through grassroots coordination.
What are you planning to do after graduation?
When my kids were little, I used to tell them, “You don’t have to make any decisions about life or who you love or anything yet. You’re so young, so just keep your options open.” In a way, I’m living that reality right now.
I could see myself staying in the Cambridge-Boston area and pursuing opportunities in local economic development, which is the direction I think I want to take. At the same time, I have many interests and passions, so I’m also considering returning to San Antonio and working with the Food Policy Council there.
I feel drawn toward making urban agriculture more accessible, improving food security, supporting seed saving, and building a stronger community around seeds and urban agriculture.
What do you hope other service members and public servants take away from your story?
Embrace all the goodness that comes to you, take every opportunity you can, and don’t be afraid. When I thought I was making bad decisions about my career, I was really making decisions that were true to my heart. Even those decisions led me to where I am now at HKS.
Keep hope, keep light, and don’t give in. Love and be loved. Keep being true to yourself, and always recognize the responsibility you owe to your ancestors to go forth in your community.
Photographs by Steph Stevens
