Podcast Guest · Keynote Speaker

Dr. Cheryl "Action" Jackson

TEDx Speaker · Author · Nonprofit Scaling Expert

She started with nothing but a car trunk and a conviction. Today, Minnie's Food Pantry has served over 31 million meals — and Dr. Jackson has been on Oprah, Ellen, GMA, and CNN to tell the story.

Founder — Minnie's Food Pantry (31M+ meals served)

TEDx Speaker · #1 Amazon Bestselling Author

UN Ambassador · Congressional Recognition

500+ keynotes · 30+ years in nonprofit leadership

Book Dr. Jackson → Download Speaker Kit

Available for Podcasts

About Dr. Jackson

From a Car Trunk to a National Movement

Dr. Cheryl "Action" Jackson is the founder of Minnie's Food Pantry in Plano, Texas — one of the most celebrated nonprofit success stories in the country. What began as a literal car-trunk operation has grown into a community institution that has distributed over 31 million meals to families in need.

Her story has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Forbes, and more. She has received the Rihanna Foundation Clara Lionel Award for humanitarian work and has been recognized by the United States Congress.

As a TEDx speaker and author of the #1 Amazon bestseller The Power of Action (foreword by Stedman Graham, endorsed by Tony Robbins), Dr. Jackson teaches leaders how to build systems that scale impact beyond the founder — and how to turn purpose into sustainable organizational power.

With over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience and more than 500 keynote addresses delivered globally, she is one of the most compelling voices on purposeful leadership, community-driven entrepreneurship, and building organizations that outlast their founding vision.

"People don't just need food. They need to know someone cares. That's what Minnie's Food Pantry is really about — dignity with every bag."

— Dr. Cheryl "Action" Jackson

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The Power of Action — #1 Amazon Bestseller. Foreword by Stedman Graham. Endorsed by Tony Robbins.

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TEDx Speaker — "How One Person Can Feed a Nation" has hundreds of thousands of views.

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UN Ambassador — Recognized for humanitarian contributions. Congressional citation recipient.

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Rihanna Foundation — Clara Lionel Award for extraordinary community impact.

Speaking Topics

What She Brings to Your Audience

From Car Trunk to 31 Million Meals: Leadership Lessons for Purpose-Driven Organizations

The origin story behind Minnie's Food Pantry and the leadership principles that turned a grassroots act of service into a nationally recognized institution. Practical, personal, and deeply human.

Building Systems That Scale Impact Beyond the Founder

Most mission-driven organizations collapse when the founder steps back. Dr. Jackson shares the exact operational frameworks she built to ensure Minnie's Food Pantry would outlast any single person — including herself.

The Nonprofit Business Plan That Actually Gets Funded

Why most nonprofit business plans fail donors and how to build one that doesn't. A practical, battle-tested framework for leaders who want to turn a compelling mission into sustainable funding.

Starting a Food Pantry: A Practical Framework for Community Leaders

The step-by-step playbook for anyone called to fight food insecurity — from first donation drive to fully operational distribution center. Grounded in 30+ years of real operational experience.

As Featured In

Recognized by the World's Biggest Platforms

Oprah

Ellen

GMA

CNN

Forbes

TEDx

"Dr. Jackson doesn't just talk about leadership — she has lived it, meal by meal, year by year, in one of the hardest sectors in the world. What she has built is extraordinary."

Media Recognition — Nonprofit Leadership

For Podcast Hosts

Why Dr. Jackson Makes Great Radio

She has been a guest on some of the most-watched television programs in the world. Her stories are specific, emotionally resonant, and packed with actionable insight. Audiences respond because she speaks from three decades of doing — not theorizing.

Perfect for shows focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, nonprofit impact, faith-driven business, community building, or social change.

Leadership Entrepreneurship Nonprofit Social Impact Faith & Purpose Women in Business Community Building Food Insecurity

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Availability

Remote or in-studio. Flexible scheduling. Typically responds within 48 hours.

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Format

Long-form conversations (30–90 min), panel discussions, or solo deep-dives. Comfortable with all formats.

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Best Fit

Shows with audiences of leaders, entrepreneurs, faith-driven builders, and purpose-driven professionals.

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Pre-Interview

Detailed bio, approved talking points, and high-res headshots provided upon booking confirmation.

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Past Appearances

Oprah Winfrey Show, Ellen DeGeneres Show, Good Morning America, CNN, Forbes, and 500+ live events globally.

Ready to Book?

Bring Dr. Jackson
to Your Audience

Whether it's a podcast interview, a keynote address, or a workshop — Dr. Jackson's team responds within 48 hours. Use the form below or reach out directly.

Send a Booking Inquiry View Full Speaker Kit

Usually responds within 48 hours · Remote & in-person available