Jack and Jill of America Foundation
WASHINGTON - Jack and Jill of America Foundation, Inc., the philanthropic arm of Jack and Jill of America, announces it has tapped longtime educator and public health advocate Erik A. Cliette to serve as President of the organization’
Cliette is an educator, community leader and trainer who has spent over 15 years working passionately with organizations to advocate for the economic, historical, cultural, and health needs of inner-city residents.
A Harlem native, Cliette says “I am the son of nurse and a police officer – both deeply rooted in their community. Through my parents I learned to be committed to improving my community and the world beyond.” He continues, “In particular, I have a personal mission to uplift the lives of young people, especially those at greatest risk of never discovering their full potential. “
Recognizing the imbalance of guidance, education and access to opportunities for some children, he created the “Four Tenets of Education” – Academic, Social, Practical and Financial. According to Cliette all are woven together, each supporting and strengthening the other while providing a solid foundation for social human development. Using the Four Tenets as a springboard, he delivers powerful motivational presentations to high school and college students nationally. In 2004, Cliette was awarded Columbia University’s Xanthos prize for outstanding service in the community.
As the director of the Harlem Hospital Injury Prevention Program, he is responsible for the overall operation of the largest and internationally recognized Injury Prevention Program within the Injury Free Coalition for Kids Family; an organization whose efforts are directed towards strengthening and stabilizing vulnerable children and their families.
On the international front, Erik utilized his keen sense of international business affairs to help develop the strategic plans for the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on behalf of President George W. Bush and Congressman and House Conference Chairman J.C. Watts, Jr. The collaboration provided logistics, advice and communications for the Africa Trade Aid Coalition Mission to West Africa.
Cliette earned his Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s in English and Political Science from the University of Rochester. Cliette also completed specialized executive-level coursework at Columbia University’s School of Business, Institute for Not-for-Profit Management.
