Rachael Tutwiler Fortune
President at Jacksonville Public Education Fund
Website Address: Jaxpef.org

Each week on “On a Mission” we talk to community leaders who are out to make a positive impact in the area. Today, our host Dr. Wendy Norfleet talks with Rachael Tutwiler Fortune from Jacksonville Public Education Fund.

To learn more, check out https://www.Jaxpef.org.

Short company description:

The Jacksonville Public Education Fund is an independent think-and-do tank that believes in the potential of all students. We work tirelessly to close the opportunity gap for low-income students and students of color in Duval County.

How do you define success?

Success is defined by the difference you make in people’s lives and fulfilling your unique purpose.

What are your biggest goals in the next 12 Months for your business?

Within the next 12 months, the Jacksonville Public Education Fund will launch a new strategic plan that will allow us to build on our track record as an independent, data-driven convener around efforts to improve public education and student outcomes in Duval County. I anticipate we will continue our work to elevate and support educators and to mobilize support to close the literacy gap; and we will increase understanding and support for efforts that develop the whole child, as we inform and activate community leaders and advocates on behalf of critical education issues. Quantifiably over the next year, we endeavor to see more quality and diverse educators successfully embarking upon teaching careers, more business and community partners joining forces with us to address literacy disparities, and more direct investments in our community around student resiliency as we grapple with the trauma experienced during the COVID-19 era.