A first-generation college graduate and former Division I athlete, Dr. Jacobs-Young’s journey from Augusta, Georgia to national leadership is a powerful testament to perseverance and purpose. She earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in paper science from North Carolina State University, becoming the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in her field. She later served as a professor at the University of Washington before joining USDA, where she rose through multiple leadership roles, including Administrator of the Agricultural Research Service and Director of the USDA Office of the Chief Scientist.

Throughout her distinguished public service career, Dr. Jacobs-Young has advised leaders at the highest levels of government, represented the United States in international scientific forums, and helped mobilize major research partnerships designed to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Her leadership has earned her two Presidential Rank Awards—among the highest honors awarded to career federal executives—as well as recognition as a Fellow of both the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Public Administration.

Today, Dr. Jacobs-Young inspires audiences around the world with keynote presentations on leadership, resilience, innovation, change, STEM advancement, and navigating uncertainty with confidence and integrity. Drawing from decades of leadership experience at the intersection of science, policy, and public service, she delivers practical insights and deeply personal stories that empower leaders to embrace change, cultivate opportunity, and lead with purpose. Read Less ^