Amir Jackson is a veteran, community organizer, leader, activist, visionary, and Founder and Director of Nurture the Creative Mind. 

His work with his Ogden-based nonprofit Nurture the Creative Mind (NCM), helps at-risk youth establish positive self-value while developing character through the exploration of creative marketable skills and innovation, Jackson has helped 25,000+ youth throughout Utah. 

Jackson’s inspiration for NCM comes from his own experiences as a young person who felt the effects of being overlooked, neglected and devalued, as well as the contrast of “finally being seen.” Helping others feel “seen” is his “life’s purpose.” 

After graduating from high school, Jackson served in the U.S. Air Force, eventually stationed at Hill AFB. Following his honorable discharge, he began volunteering at a local Title I school that served a diverse/primarily low-income demographic, teaching 6th grade students the power of self-belief and valuing others. 

 Jackson estimates that of the 25,000 young people directly and positively impacted by NCM since 2007, 50% are from underrepresented or minority populations and lower socioeconomic backgrounds. The program has expanded beyond traditional creative forms, to include podcasting, film and studio recording. NCM has also published five books all of which have themes of empowerment, diversity and acceptance. 

Awards and Recognitions:  

• Mayor's Arts Education Award  

• Best Molding of Young Arts Minds  

• Rotary Club Service Award  

• WSU Lewis W Shurtliff Award for Education  

• Red Cross Heroes Recognition Award  

• Utah Business Community Involvement Award  

• Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year  

• Leader of Color in the Arts  

Volunteer Experience:  

• Visit Ogden  

• Utah Arts Alliance  

• Western Arts Federation  

• WSU Alumni Board, Communication Director  

• ACLU, Development Director 

• Ogden Arts Festival, Director  

• TEDx Ogden Speaker  

• TEDx Ogden Project Manager  

• Day of the Dead Ogden, Director   

• Ogden Outreach