Jamie Scott

Pulaski County Youth Services works in collaboration with local school districts, higher education institutions and a multitude of community partners to encourage academic achievement at all levels, provide leadership development and nurture healthy social and emotional well-being for the youth of Pulaski County. For more than 25 years, Youth Services has provided programs to the youth residing in incorporated and unincorporated areas. I joined Pulaski County as the Youth Services Executive Director in 2015, appointed by Judge Barry Hyde.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Patience. I have worked in the nonprofit and public sector for many years, and the most rewarding thing is seeing it through to the end — seeing our students graduate, succeed and knowing that you had a hand in that process.

Best career moment so far

Having the honor of walking on the shoulders of giants and serving as the youngest African American female elected in the history of the Arkansas General Assembly. I currently serve as State Representative for House District 37.

How I knew this was my passion

I was the director of Upward Bound at a local Historically Black College for five years. It was a very rewarding job. I'm still in touch with my former students. We prepared low income and first generation students for post-secondary education.

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

I pray and regroup. Everything I need to move forward — the drive, the resilience, the will — is already inside of me. I have the tools, the ability and the power to get through that wall to the other side.

Best advice I ever received

Pray often and include God in everything you do. My granny always told me that. I also love this recent great insight from Fort Smith Mayor George McGill: "Real leadership requires us asking people to see beyond the narrow lens of me and encouraging the responsibility of we."

PRESSING QUESTIONS

A skill I never expected to need in this field

Best career moment so far

How I knew this was my passion

The first thing I do to course-correct when I hit a wall

Best advice I ever received

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Hometown

North Little Rock

First Thing I Do at the Office

Check email

Hobbies

Running

Binge Watch

"Little Fires Everywhere"

Last Good Read

"Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Favorite Meal in Town

Lindsey's BBQ

Best Recent Local Discovery

Taco Mexicano

Latest Splurge

Land purchase

Most-Used App

Facebook

Dream Vacation

The Maldives

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