PPGJLI Administrative Director Jacklyn Milton Honored as a Literary Leader

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Jan. 23, 2021 - PRLog -- Jacklyn Milton, administrative director of the non-profit organization Planting People Growing Justice™ Leadership Institute (PPGJLI), has been named to the Minnesota 50 Over 50 list as a Literary Leader. The list honors individuals over the age of 50, recognizing and celebrating them for their achievements and significant contributions to their communities.

As the director of the PPGJLI, a small, grassroots non-profit, 67-year-old Milton has been planting seeds of hope in St. Paul, MN by promoting literacy and diversity. She's working to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and is accomplishing that by teaching students to read. Students that aren't able to read are four times more likely to drop out of school.

Milton is passionate about literacy. A full 85 percent of children in the juvenile justice system are illiterate. She works diligently to ensure that every child reads at least 1,000 books before kindergarten. To make that goal a reality, she conducts book drives and holds an annual youth leadership summit.

The 50 Over 50 leader also oversees the annual "Leaders are Readers" campaign that provides free books and school supplies to children that struggle academically. Through her tireless efforts, Milton has gifted the love of reading to countless children.

Conducted by AARP Minnesota (https://states.aarp.org/minnesota/50-over-50-honorees-ann...) and Pollen, the 50 Over 50 event highlights inspiring leaders in multiple arenas from across Minnesota. Individuals are chosen in one of five categories that includes arts, business, community, disruptors, and non-profit.

Pollen (https://www.pollenmidwest.org/) is a media arts organization that seeks to break down barriers to create a space for communities to be better connected. Pollen fosters empathy and encourages connection across difference and inspires meaningful action through narrative storytelling.

The 50 Over 50 award recognizes those that know age is no barrier to accomplishment or making a difference in their communities. Milton (https://www.pollenmidwest.org/stories/2020-50-over-50/) is among an elite group of leaders that are utilizing their talents to work toward a better and brighter future for all.