Photography by Caleb Shane | Hair by Ashley Anderson | Makeup by Francys Alanis
‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness’ – these powerful words are uniquely and undeniably American. This American Dreams series features ordinary people with extraordinary stories of success and advice for making the most of your dreams. It reiterates the importance of shop local + share local, a part of our culture that makes Central Arkansas unique.
In today’s business world, when many professionals seem focused on self-promotion and personal achievement, Jamie Scott is the exception.
She exemplifies a balance of business and community – where the two blend seamlessly into a life of public service that transcends generations. At Pulaski County Youth Services, Jamie improves the lives and opportunities available to Arkansas youth. But her civic leadership spans beyond PCYS, as she supports various organizations throughout the Capital City.
“I live my life based on one central goal — How can I make my lifelong community and state better? The key to achieving this is clear: focus on the next generation of this community — the youth,” Jamie explains.
Since 2015, Jamie has worked as the executive director of PCYS. “It has been my pleasure to be able to serve thousands of kids each year through various programs, activities and partnerships. I am laser focused on expanding and delivering quality programs to meet the needs and interests of Pulaski County youth.”
Her commitment to improving the lives of all Arkansans includes an impressive tenure working as Arkansas Baptist College Upward Bound Programs Director and serving in leadership positions in the private sector as well. Additionally, Jamie worked on former Governor Mike Beebe’s Legislative Task Force on Abused and Neglected Children and was appointed to the Arkansas Legislative Vision 2025 Commission on the Future of Higher Education, among other accomplishments throughout the years.
Jamie also established the Vision 2025 Leadership Program to introduce young women to the importance of civic leadership coupled with academic success. “This program identifies and cultivates talents and underlying leadership abilities and builds young women to be the next generation of extraordinary leaders. Focusing on empowerment, mentoring, community service, academic enrichment and academic excellence, I thoroughly enjoy this experience.”
Recognition for her dedication to service and community include the Junior League of Little Rock’s New Member of the Year, the William H. Bowen School of Law’s GLO Award and the Bishop D.L. Lindsey Spirit of Excellence Community Award, again — among several others.
Jamie recognizes the influential figures in her life that are examples worthy to follow. “I have many mentors, but I have one in particular who has had the biggest impact on me professionally and personally — Senator Joyce Elliott, my mentor of seven years,” Jamie notes. “Joyce is an advocate for children and social justice reform, a champion for the public school system and 30-year retired veteran educator. Senator Elliott has instilled in me the importance of believing in myself and taught me the importance of speaking for those that do not have a voice.”
Jamie’s passion is evident in her 10-years-and-counting career of advocating and empowering others, and she says she will continue to invest in the lives of Arkansans.
“I’m a proud, lifelong resident and servant-leader of my community. I have had several opportunities to serve out of state, but my heart and commitment are with the youth and the state of Arkansas. I want them to see that anything is possible no matter what ZIP code you start out in — that’s why I’m still here.”
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Self-Described: champion — I will not take no for an answer
