Dr. Jaclyn Walker, affectionately known as Dr. Diva, is a visionary leader, educator, and advocate committed to transforming lives through education, reentry support, and social justice. As the Executive Director of the M.A.N. (Men Alleviating Negativity) Foundation, she leads initiatives focused on reducing recidivism by providing critical support to incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and their families. Under her leadership, the foundation has secured four grants to expand its work with children of incarcerated parents through the B.O.S.S. (Breaking Obstacles to Seek Success) Project, a program designed to empower youth through literacy, mentorship, and self-expression.
With over two decades in special education, Dr. Walker is passionate about dismantling barriers at the intersection of disability, poverty, and incarceration. Through the M.A.N. Foundation, she implements innovative programs that address systemic inequities, ensuring access to education and essential support services for marginalized communities.
Dr. Walker also serves as a Reentry Specialist at the Portsmouth City Jail, where she co-facilitates a curriculum that equips individuals with skills for successful reintegration. Her signature initiative, the Father-Daughter Dance program, has received widespread recognition for strengthening family bonds despite incarceration.
Beyond her nonprofit and reentry work, Dr. Walker is the co-owner of Glamour Prestige, a consulting firm specializing in women’s empowerment and professional development for educators. Through initiatives like School & Sip, she advocates for inclusive education and community-based support in underserved areas.
A published author, Dr. Walker has created motivational journals and planners designed to inspire women and young girls, including:
Girl, You’ve GOT (Gifts or Talents) This!
YES (Yearly Expected Success) Girl
Girls Who Love Goals, Dreams, and Hip-Hop!
She is also a co-author of the collaborative book, Gotta Story to Tell, written alongside her sisters.
As the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for a national educational company, Dr. Walker plays a key role in shaping instructional strategies and best practices to enhance student success.
Her dedication to education and social justice has earned her numerous prestigious awards, including:
2006 Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year
2015 Impact Award from the Community Outreach Coalition
2015 NAACP Area-II ACT-SO Coalition Tribute in Excellence Award
2018 Finer Womanhood Award from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
2020 Community Humanitarian Award
2020 Iconic Woman Award
2022 Pioneer Award
2024 Lifetime Achievement in Special Education Inspire Award
2024 Ladies in Red Award
2024 HRBC Breakfast of Champions Award
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dr. Walker exemplifies service, scholarship, and sisterhood in all aspects of her work. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Norfolk State University, Master’s and Educational Specialist Degrees from Cambridge College, and an Educational Doctorate from Capella University.
With an unwavering commitment to education, reentry reform, and advocacy, Dr. Walker continues to be a trailblazer, driving systemic change and empowering communities.