About

Carina Jackson is currently the Chief Operations Officer for Mariners Inn – a human services organization that provides services to men and their families in Detroit, Michigan. Mariners Inn was founded in 1925 by the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Ms. Jackson supervises the Residential and Housing Programs as well as the Facilities Department.  She assisted with the creation and implementation of the Residential Youth Prevention Program, the Peer Mentoring Program, the Social Enterprise Program and the S.H.E. (Strong – Healthy - Empowered) Program.  

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Ms. Jackson has a very diverse background that includes non-profit management, program development, staff wellness and entrepreneurship. In 2002, Carina co-founded Youth Vision – a non-profit organization that provided after school programs and summer camp to more than 400 youth in Southwest Detroit. In 2008, Carina worked as the volunteer and Election Day coordinator on the campaign for Saunteel Jenkins for Detroit City Council.  Ms. Jenkins won the election in 2010 and Ms. Jackson became her Chief of Staff.  Most of her professional career has been at Mariners Inn with more than 15 years of service.

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Ms. Jackson has been a participant of the following fellowships:

• WK Kellogg- Center for Creative Leadership Class 2 (2019)

• Leadership Detroit Class XXXVII (2016)

• 92Y Ford Foundation (2016)

• German Marshall Memorial Fund Fellowship (2013)

• 2022 – People Helping People Award for Exceptional Service and Commitment to Detroiters

• 2021 – Guardian of Health Award for Outstanding Response to COVID-19 Pandemic (GDAHC)

• 2020 – City of Detroit Now & Next Award

• 2018 – Spirit of Detroit Award

• 2017 – Love Award (Mariners Inn Staff & Clients)

• Board Member, Damian’s Village (2024)

 

Carina recently began sharing her story of overcoming physical and mental barriers while maintaining a life of rest and peace.  She considers herself a Wellness Activist and is determined to push the envelope and dismantle the norms of what society deems as health and wealth. In August,2024, Carina Jackson became a Certified Wellness Coach through the National Association of Sports Medicine. Her journey can be followed at @justcarinajackson on Instagram.