Graduate of CPS: Kim Ross Jackson

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, ’25

Please provide 3 words that encapsulate your Northeastern University experience: 

Transformative. Empowering. Purposeful. 

Where are you from or where do you consider home? 

Marshfield, MA 

What has your journey at Northeastern University revealed to you about yourself? 

Coming into Northeastern with over 35 years of leadership experience, I wasn’t looking to reinvent myself—I was looking to grow, to build on an already strong foundation. What this journey revealed is that even after decades in the field, there is always room to deepen self-awareness and expand the impact I can have on others. 

Pursuing a concentration in coaching reaffirmed something I’ve long believed: that leadership is not about directing, but about listening, asking the right questions, and creating the conditions for others to thrive. The coursework and reflective practices didn’t just strengthen my skills—they reinforced my values. They gave me space to reconnect with the “why” behind my leadership, to explore the core of why I love what I do, and to refine how I show up in support of others. 

This experience reminded me that the most meaningful growth comes from staying true to my values, embracing life-long learning, and continuing to lead in a way that reflects both experience and the needs of future generations. 

“Coming into Northeastern with over 35 years of leadership experience, I wasn’t looking to reinvent myself—I was looking to grow, to build on an already strong foundation.”

What motivated you to continue through challenging times in obtaining your degree? 

There were moments when balancing it all felt overwhelming—my role at work is fast-paced, managing a diverse set of areas where every meeting and every challenge demands a different mindset and approach—while also raising three young adults at different life stages. And doing it all as a single mother. But what kept me going was a deep sense of purpose. I wasn’t just doing this for myself—I was doing it to model resilience, lifelong learning, and commitment for my children. I saw this degree as an investment in myself—so I could continue leading with greater clarity, agility, and intention. That belief—that I could strengthen who I am for the people who count on me—is what carried me through the toughest moments. 

Experiential learning is a core component of a Northeastern education. Describe some of the highlights for you. 

As someone working full time, experiential learning isn’t just part of the program; it’s present in every aspect of my life. I applied what I was learning in real time, whether it was a coaching model or a leadership theory, directly to the diverse demands I navigate each day. One of the most impactful highlights was the space to reflect; something I rarely make time for. The program pushed me to slow down and think more intentionally about how I lead, communicate, and support others. That reflective process made the learning not only stick, but evolve into something deeply personal and lasting. 

Where do you imagine yourself five years from now? 

In five years, I see myself continuing to grow; expanding my skills, deepening my leadership, and empowering others to become the best versions of themselves. I hope to see my children fully launched into their own journeys, thriving and building lives they’re proud of. I don’t believe in standing still, so I’ll keep learning, innovating, and challenging myself to stay relevant and make a meaningful impact in whatever space I’m in. 

Is there anything else you wanted to say that we didn’t cover? 

What made this experience even more meaningful was the community. Being surrounded by like-minded students from different ages, backgrounds, and cultures enriched every conversation and brought real depth to the learning. We supported one another in ways that extended far beyond the classroom. The faculty were equally impactful; dedicated, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in our growth. I’m especially grateful to have found two mentors in Professor Barbara Mitchell and Professor Courtland Booth. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me made a lasting impression; and will continue to influence how I lead and show up for others. 

Connect with Kim on LinkedIn.