LEGACY OF JACKI TUCKFIELD, MBA
"Graduate Business Scholarships Fostering Diversity and Economic Prosperity"

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To perpetuate the magic of her smile, her love for humankind, her passion for excelling and her faith in educational achievement to enhance the quality of life; and, to fulfill her aspiration to establish a systematic strategy for alleviating the severe under-representation of African Americans in the executive, administrative and managerial levels of the South Florida workforce, Jacki Tuckfield Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship Fund (JTMGBSF) was created. On October 21, 1997, Drs. Jack and Gloria Tuckfield established JTMGBSF at the nonprofit, tax-exempt Dade Community Foundation to commemorate the vibrant life of their extraordinary daughter. JTMGBSF provides financial support to African American residents of South Florida who are enrolled in master's and doctoral degree business programs in Florida universities. Recipients must plan to pursue their professional careers in South Florida. To date, 311 awards, totaling $317,000 have been given to graduate students acquiring degrees at 11 universities. For the 2011-2012 academic year, JTMGBSF offers $50,000 in $1,250 tuition scholarships.

Jacki Tuckfield, a native Miamian, was reared, educated, and employed in South Florida's multicultural setting, which she understood and passionately appreciated. Nurtured in an empowering family environment provided by her parents of different ethnic and racial heritage, she perceived diversity as an asset for strengthening the fabric of human relationships and fostering the concept of "One Community." Since early childhood, she wanted to make a positive difference for the residents of South Florida. Jacki accomplished much in her twenty-five years. As a person of varied interests, she excelled in cross-cultural relations, sports, piano and dance. She was Captain and Most Valuable Player of the Archbishop Curley-Notre Dame High School Varsity Basketball Team and selected as Miss Congeniality.

Aspiring to be a Chief Executive Officer of a company dedicated to a policy of diversity in hiring, promoting and retaining its employees, Jacki earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Florida Atlantic University on a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship. She earned a 3.96 cumulative grade point average while achieving a Master of Business Administration degree at Nova Southeastern University, and was inducted posthumously into Sigma Beta Delta International Honor Society for Business, Management and Administration.

Jacki's business dynamism surfaced while completing, with distinction, the following internships and work related accomplishments while attaining her bachelor/master's degrees:

Jacki began her professional career as a Customer Service Representative for the Ford Motor Credit Corporation where she earned the reputation for being a high performer in the business community. Subsequently, she became a Florida Real Estate Licensee and the Co-Owner of Tuckfield Enterprises. At the time of her sudden passing on July 13, 1997, at the age of twenty-five, Jacki was an Assistant Project Manager for the Codina Bush Klein Development Corporation in Coral Gables, Florida.

Deeply committed to The Church by the Sea in Bal Harbour, Florida, Jacki served as the youngest Deacon, a youth leader, and a member of the Bell Choir. Those who knew Jacki remember her as a talented, positive, caring, resourceful person of integrity who knew how to use her unquenchable energy and legendary smile to seize each day. Wanting to make a positive difference for her community, she aspired to a better life through academic, spiritual and professional achievements. Her leadership potential was undeniable.